Israel-Hamas ceasefire

JERUSALEM (OSV News) — In the Gaza Strip, the fragile calm following the Oct. 13 Israel-Hamas peace deal has brought little relief to the enclave’s small Christian community. While portions …

“Israel’s decision to bomb is an unjustified breach of its commitment to the ceasefire,” said Mary Ellen O’Connell, a professor at Notre Dame Law School.

Now “is clearly the time to embark upon the very long pathway of healing and reconciliation that is so profoundly needed between Palestinians and Israelis.”

(OSV News) — President Donald Trump said during a meeting in Egypt on Oct. 13 that “phase two has started” of a peace deal between Israel and Hamas in response to …

Amid a sea of destruction, bringing in the materials that the strip requires without limitations” is crucial, said Joseph Hazboun of CNEWAPontifical Mission.

As a peace deal nears, Father Gabriel Romanelli, pastor of Gaza City’s Catholic parish, said the entire Gaza Strip has experienced a “tsunami” of destruction.

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.

“Now only faith can protect them from revenge, from hatred, from answering by the same means,” the cardinal said. “This peace will be very, very fragile.”

In his own post, Netanyahu said only, “With God’s help we will bring them all home,” an apparent reference to the hostages.