Pope renews call for Gaza ceasefire in Easter message

As new peace talks between Israel and Hamas were about to start, Pope Francis on Sunday reiterated his appeals for the immediate lifting of the Gaza Strip’s blockade and the release of Israeli detainees, according to AFP.
The Pope stated in his Easter speech at the Vatican, “I appeal once more that access to humanitarian aid be ensured to Gaza, and call once more for the prompt release of the hostages seized on October 7 and for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip.”

At least 32,782 Palestinians have died in Gaza during the more than five months of conflict between Israeli and Palestinian factions, according to the health ministry there, according to AFP.
At least 77 people have died in the last 24 hours, according to the toll.