Pope Francis has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and expressed gratitude to mediators. He hopes that the ceasefire will be respected and that all hostages will be able to return home. The Pope also called for increased humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza and urged for a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians. The ceasefire comes after a 42-day truce was agreed upon, which will see the release of Palestinian prisoners and is intended to end more than 15 months of war.