American Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack announced that Israel and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire, formalized with Turkey, Jordan, and neighboring nations. Barrack called on “Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to lay down their arms and, alongside other minorities, build a new, united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbors.”
This development coincides with heightened diplomatic pressure following an Israeli artillery strike on Gaza’s Holy Family Catholic Church, a refuge for displaced persons, which killed three people and wounded several others, including the parish priest. The incident drew sharp international criticism of Israel’s offensive against Hamas.
Pope Leo XIV directly appealed for an immediate ceasefire during a phone call initiated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Vatican stated the Pope urged Netanyahu to “reinvigorate negotiation efforts and achieve a ceasefire and an end to the war,” emphasizing the need to halt civilian suffering in Gaza. Netanyahu reportedly expressed regret for the church strike, calling it a “tragic incident” caused by “stray munitions that accidentally hit the Holy Family complex,” which the Pope termed an “unjustifiable attack.” Netanyahu also briefed the Pope on ongoing efforts towards a 60-day truce and hostage release deal, claiming Hamas lacked reciprocal commitment. Hamas’s armed wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, countered that Israel had rejected their proposal for a one-time release of all hostages.
The Pope reiterated “grave concern for the dramatic humanitarian situation” in Gaza, particularly impacting “children, the elderly, and the sick,” and stressed the “urgency of protecting places of worship, the faithful, and all people in Palestine and Israel.” A Netanyahu official described the over-hour-long call as “cordial and well-meaning,” adding the Prime Minister invited the Pope to Israel.
Pope Leo XIV also contacted Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, to check on the wounded and reaffirm commitment “to do everything possible to stop the senseless slaughter of innocents.” Patriarch Pizzaballa, who visited Gaza with Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III to deliver aid, reported on the call. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed Italy’s support for this humanitarian mission and requested Israel guarantee the envoys’ safety.
Meanwhile, IDF operations continued in Gaza. Al Jazeera reported approximately 40 Palestinians killed since dawn, including ten near food distribution sites. Separately, an 18-month-old girl died of severe malnutrition. Overnight, former US President Donald Trump announced at a White House dinner that ten more hostages would be released “shortly,” expressing hope for a swift end to the war.