Pope appeals for urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza and backs ceasefire proposals

Pope Francis waves from his studio’s window overlooking St Peter’s Square at The Vatican on Sunday (Domenico Stinellis/AP)

Pope Francis has called for humanitarian aid to reach Palestinians in Gaza urgently and for Israel and Hamas to accept immediately proposals for a cease-fire and release of hostages.

During his Sunday noon blessing, Francis also thanked Jordan, which this week will host an international humanitarian aid conference for Palestinians.