Clashes raged in the southern Syrian city of Sweida on Wednesday after a ceasefire between government forces and Druze armed groups collapsed and as Israel threatened to escalate its involvement, saying it's in support of the Druze religious minority.

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The deaths at the church compound came as Gaza's civil defense agency reported at least 20 people killed in other Israeli strikes around the Palestinian territory.

Syria's defense minister has announced a ceasefire just hours after government forces entered a key city in the volatile Sweida province.

After an early morning attack on the Holy Family Church in Gaza, Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate ceasefire, dialogue and peace in the region.

Pope Leo XIV renewed his call for a ceasefire on Thursday after an apparent Israeli strike hit Gaza's only Catholic church, leaving two dead and several others, including the parish priest, injured.

Israeli and Hamas negotiators have been taking part in the latest round of ceasefire talks in Doha since July 6, discussing a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire that envisages a phased release of hostages,

Pope Leo XIV has renewed his call for a Gaza ceasefire after three people sheltering in the Catholic church in Gaza City were killed in an Israeli strike. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzabella gives us his reaction to the bombing. The Israeli military says the incident is under review.

Qatar, Egypt and the U.S. presented Israel and Hamas with an updated Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal proposal on Wednesday, two sources with direct knowledge tell Axios. The mediators believe recent concessions from Israel,