India, May 28 -- Pope Leo XIV has called on Israel and Hamas to implement an immediate ceasefire as the war in Gaza rages on. Addressing the crowd in Vatican city, the newly elected pope lamented the death of children in the war-torn strip.

"In the Gaza Strip, the intense cries are reaching Heaven more and more from mothers and fathers who hold tightly to the bodies of their dead children," said the pontiff.

The pope further added that Israel and Hamas must liberate all hostages and respect humanitarian law.

"To those responsible, I renew my appeal: stop the fighting," he said.

The pope's appeal comes a day after 50 people in Gaza were injured while trying to receive food aid in the war-torn strip.

This appeal for the ceasefire also ...