Pope Francis mourns Gaza aid workers, renews call for ceasefire

Pope Francis expressed his "deep regret" for the World Central Kitchens aid workers killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza, and renewed his appeal for the ending of suffering in the enclave.

"I renew my appeal for the exhausted and suffering civilian population to be allowed access to humanitarian aid and for the hostages to be released immediately."

The Pope reiterated his "firm request" for a ceasefire in Gaza and concluded his appeal by asking people to join him in prayer for "the silencing of weapons and the return of peace".