Bethlehem rejoiced with the festive celebration of lighting of a 65-feet Christmas tree at the edge of Manger Square Dec. 6 – for the first time since December 2022 and the start of Israel-Hamas war 10 months later.
ceasefire
Gaza Ceasefire Tested as Israel, Hamas Say the Other Violated Agreement
President Donald Trump’s ceasefire agreement in Gaza was tested Oct. 28 as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to conduct strikes in Gaza as his government alleged Hamas violated a White House-backed ceasefire agreement by firing on Israeli forces and failing to return the remains of deceased hostages.
Pope Leo XIV Calls on Israelis, Palestinians To Continue Towards ‘Just and Lasting Peace’ Following Peace Deal
With the start of the first phase of a peace deal between Israel and Gaza, Pope Leo XIV prayed for a just and lasting peace that respects all people.
Trump Says Israel, Hamas ‘Have Both Signed Off’ on First Phase of White House Peace Proposal
Israel and Hamas “have both signed off” on the first phase of a White House peace proposal for Gaza, President Donald Trump said late Oct. 8 in a social media post.
Pope Francis Speaks to Catholics in Gaza Parish After Ceasefire
Pope Francis said the people who have been trapped in a parish in Gaza had a decent meal for the first time in a long time after a ceasefire was established between Israel and Hamas.
Pope Lauds Gaza Ceasefire as Deal Goes Into Effect, Pushes Two-State Solution
by Elise Ann Allen (Crux) As a ceasefire agreement to the war in Gaza took effect, Pope Francis praised the milestone, voicing hope that authorities can achieve a lasting peace and advocating for a two-state solution. During his Jan. 19, Sunday Angelus address, Pope Francis made the Vatican’s first public statement about the Gaza ceasefire […]