Pope Leo has appealed for a ceasefire in Gaza, calling on Israel and Hamas fighters to “completely respect” international humanitarian law, Reuters reports.

“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,” the pontiff said during his weekly general audience in St Peter’s Square.

“To those responsible, I renew my appeal: stop the fighting.”

“Liberate all the hostages. Completely respect humanitarian law,” said the pope.