Alexander is an Israeli-American soldier who grew up in New Jersey. He was abducted from his base during the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack that ignited the war in Gaza.
“I, too, address the world's great powers by repeating the ever-present call ‘never again war,’” Leo said from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica to an estimated 100,000 people below.
Israel has sealed Gaza off from all imports, including food, medicine and emergency shelter, for over 10 weeks in what it says is a pressure tactic aimed at forcing Hamas to release hostages.
An Israeli security source said there was still a "window of opportunity" for a hostage release deal to be struck to coincide with US President Donald Trump's May 13 to 16 visit to the region.
"Our trucks—loaded with food and supplies—are waiting in Egypt, Jordan and Israel, ready to enter Gaza," said José Andrés, the celebrity chef who founded the organisation.
