Gaza

With the start of the first phase of a peace deal between Israel and Gaza, Pope Leo XIV prayed for a just and lasting peace that respects all people.

Israel’s government ratified what the White House called the “first phase” of a ceasefire deal, as President Donald Trump indicated he planned to visit the region.

“I am deeply struck and saddened by the images of these people held prisoner in tunnels, starved,” the cardinal said. “We cannot and must not forget them.”

The federal government shutdown stretched into its third day with indications it would continue after lawmakers once again failed to pass a spending bill. 

President Donald Trump on Oct. 3 called on Israel to stop bombing Gaza after Hamas agreed to the release of its Israeli hostages, pending negotiation of the details. 

President Trump released a peace plan to end the Israel-Hamas war which was met with cautious optimism from some world leaders and skepticism from others.

“There is no longer any trust, no human interest of one side in the other. It is an inhumanity that is almost incomprehensible.”

As some member countries have recognized a Palestinian state, Trump argued doing so would “encourage continued conflict.” 

A USCCB mental health initiative, St. Thérèse of Lisieux relics, a St. Maximilian Kolbe film, OSV News interviews with cardinals and more among this week’s coverage.

An independent United Nations inquiry commission has concluded Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, but a “serious weakness” in the U.N.’s Security Council could prevent taking action in accord with …