Pope to Israel: UN peacekeepers in Lebanon must be respected

Pope Francis has issued an urgent appeal for the United Nations Interim Forces in Southern Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission to be respected, after several UN soldiers were wounded by gunfire or explosions during Israel's strikes on Lebanon.

The pontiff said at the Angelus prayer in Rome that he was following the situation in the Middle East with great concern. "I call again for an immediate ceasefire on all fronts. Let us take the path of diplomacy and dialogue to achieve peace."

The pope's remarks come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on peacekeeping forces in Lebanon to withdraw from their positions in the conflict zone.

The attacks on UN soldiers and their headquarters in southern Lebanon a few days ago sparked outrage worldwide, including among Israel's close allies.