Pope Leo makes ‘strong appeal’ for end of Israel-Hamas conflict

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Pope Leo made a “strong appeal” to the global community on Wednesday to end the nearly two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas, calling for a permanent ceasefire, release of hostages and the provision of humanitarian aid.

“I once again issue a strong appeal … so that an end may be put to the conflict in the Holy Land, which has caused so much terror, destruction, and death,” the pontiff said in his weekly audience at the Vatican.

“I implore that all hostages be…