Pope Leo XIV has renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (AP) — Pope Leo XIV renewed his call on Sunday for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, asking the international community to respect international laws and the obligation to protect civilians.

Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa urged Sunni Muslim Bedouin tribes Saturday to "fully commit" to a ceasefire aimed at ending clashes with Druze-linked militias that left hundreds dead and threatened to unravel the country's postwar transition.

Talks for a two-month truce in Gaza appear to have stalled, with disagreements over aid distribution and unresolved questions about a permanent cessation of hostilities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets President Donald Trump in Washington to discuss a potential ceasefire in Gaza

Explosions could be seen going off in the distance in the Gaza Strip on Friday. There has been little visible progress in months of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas aimed at a new ceasefire and hostage release agreement,

Sectarian-tinged clashes left hundreds dead and drew in Israeli military intervention. A U.S. envoy said Israel and Syria had agreed to a truce.

Several days of bitter sectarian fighting in the south of Syria has brought the fledgling government in Damascus dangerously close to direct conflict with Israel, after Israeli warplanes launched strikes against government buildings in the Syrian capital, Damascus, on July 16.

Several smaller countries are taking a stand against Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza. Critics are skeptical about their impact, but others see the pressure as a first step in a global shift.