(MENAFN) Pope Leo XIV on Sunday hailed the newly implemented ceasefire in Gaza as a “glimmer of hope,” encouraging all involved parties to act with determination toward achieving a “just and lasting peace.”

Addressing thousands of worshippers in St. Peter’s Square during his customary Angelus prayers, the pope reflected on the toll of the conflict. “Two years of conflict have left death and destruction everywhere. Especially in the hearts of those who have brutally lost their children, their parents, their friends – everything,” he said.

His comments came in the wake of a breakthrough agreement between Israel and Hamas, a move seen as a potential turning point after prolonged bloodshed.

Describing the ceasefire as a “message of hope,” Pope Leo called on both sides “to continue, with courage, along the path toward a just, lasting peace that honors the legitimate aspirations of both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.” He also urged humanity to reclaim the capacity to see others “not as an enemy, but as a brother,” capable of forgiveness and deserving of reconciliation.

The pontiff also turned his attention to the war in Ukraine, declaring his solidarity with civilians caught in the conflict. “My heart is united with the suffering of the population,” he said, again pressing for a peaceful resolution and an end to the violence.

The ceasefire follows last month’s unveiling of a comprehensive 20-point peace plan for Gaza by U.S. President Donald Trump. The proposal outlines the release of all Israeli hostages in return for approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees, a full ceasefire, and the phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

While the plan has been cautiously welcomed by most Arab and Muslim nations, several officials have stressed that critical details require further negotiation and clarification before full implementation.

Since the escalation began in October 2023, over 67,600 Palestinians—most of them women and children—have been killed by Israeli military operations, leaving much of the Gaza Strip in ruins and nearly uninhabitable.

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