Quote from Alex bobby on July 21, 2025, 2:14 AM

Pope Repeats Ceasefire Plea as Israeli Evacuation Orders Expand in Gaza

In a solemn yet urgent appeal, Pope Leo XIV has once again called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, imploring the international community to uphold humanitarian law and protect civilian lives amid the escalating conflict. The pontiff’s comments come as Israel broadens its evacuation orders in central Gaza, a region previously untouched by major ground operations, triggering renewed concerns over civilian safety and the viability of aid distribution.

A Moral Plea from Castel Gandolfo

Speaking from his summer retreat in Castle Gandolfo after the Sunday Angelus prayer, Pope Leo XIV lamented the ongoing devastation. “I once again call for an immediate end to the barbarity of this war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict,” he said, his words echoing a moral clarity that has become a hallmark of his papacy.

The pope expressed “deep sorrow” over the Israeli shelling of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza last Thursday — the only Catholic church in the territory. The attack claimed the lives of three people and left 10 others wounded, including the parish priest. The compound had been serving as a refuge for hundreds of civilians.

“I appeal to the international community to observe humanitarian law and respect the obligation to protect civilians as well as the prohibition of collective punishment, the indiscriminate use of force, and the forced displacement of populations,” Pope Leo added, addressing what he called a “crisis of conscience” for the global community.

Civilian Casualties Mount Amid Aid Chaos

While the Vatican leader called for dialogue and disarmament, the situation on the ground in Gaza continued to deteriorate. At least 73 Palestinians were reported killed on Sunday in multiple incidents as they attempted to access humanitarian aid, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The worst of the violence occurred in northern Gaza, near the Zikim crossing, where 67 individuals reportedly lost their lives. Although the exact circumstances remain unclear, eyewitnesses alleged that Israeli forces opened fire on the crowd. The Israeli military stated that the gathering of thousands posed a threat and confirmed that soldiers had used live ammunition. However, the military emphasised that casualty figures shared by Gaza authorities were “significantly exaggerated” and said an investigation was underway.

Israel has insisted that it is facilitating aid entry into Gaza and blames Hamas for disrupting distribution efforts and using civilians as human shields. Nevertheless, incidents like Sunday’s tragedy fuel growing international alarm about the humanitarian cost of the prolonged war.

New Evacuation Orders Disrupt Relief Operations

Adding to the urgency, the Israeli military issued fresh evacuation orders for large portions of central Gaza, particularly around Deir al-Balah. The area serves as a critical corridor between southern cities like Rafah and Khan Younis. These new directives are expected to severely limit the movement of both civilians and humanitarian aid.

The United Nations, which maintains several facilities in the affected region, is seeking clarification from Israeli authorities on whether these buildings are included in the latest evacuation orders. According to a UN official speaking anonymously, UN facilities were previously exempt from such orders — a status that now appears uncertain.

Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee warned that operations would intensify against militants in the region and urged civilians to relocate to the Muwasi area on Gaza’s southern coast, which Israel has designated as a “humanitarian zone.” However, human rights observers say these relocations amount to forced displacement, while aid groups warn that Muwasi is already overcrowded and lacks adequate infrastructure.

Ceasefire Talks Stall in Qatar

Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire continue in Qatar, but progress remains elusive. Despite international mediation, no breakthroughs have been achieved. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains that military pressure on Hamas is essential for any meaningful negotiations. Yet, critics argue that continued expansion of military operations undermines diplomatic efforts and exacerbates humanitarian suffering.

Earlier this month, the Israeli Defense Forces claimed they now control more than 65% of the Gaza Strip, a statistic that reflects the war’s growing footprint. But control on the ground has done little to reduce the death toll or bring peace closer.

Final Thoughts

Pope Leo XIV’s latest intervention underscores the moral weight of the crisis in Gaza. His condemnation of attacks on civilian shelters — including a Catholic church — highlights the indiscriminate nature of modern urban warfare and the dangers of forsaking humanitarian norms. As the war in Gaza enters its 21st month with no end in sight, the Pope’s plea serves not just as a spiritual appeal but also as a call to action for the world’s political and military leaders.

In his own words: “The world no longer tolerates war.” Whether the world listens remains to be seen.

Conclusion

As violence in Gaza deepens and civilian suffering intensifies, Pope Leo XIV’s renewed call for a ceasefire comes as a timely and urgent moral appeal. His condemnation of attacks on civilian shelters — including the only Catholic church in Gaza — and his plea for adherence to international law reflect a broader global concern over the human cost of the prolonged conflict. With ceasefire talks stalling and evacuation orders disrupting vital aid corridors, the humanitarian crisis is worsening by the day. The Pope’s message is clear: the world must choose compassion over conflict, law over lawlessness, and dialogue over destruction — before more innocent lives are lost.

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Pope Leo XIV renews his call for a ceasefire in Gaza, condemns the attack on a Catholic church, and urges international law compliance as Israel expands evacuation orders.