Pope Francis calls for immediate end to Israeli strikes on Gaza
Vatican City: Pope Francis has urged an immediate halt to Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and called for renewed dialogue to secure the release of hostages and establish a permanent ceasefire.
"I am saddened by the resumption of the intense Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, with so many deaths and injuries," the Pope wrote in his Angelus prayer on Sunday. His message was published as he was being discharged from the hospital after more than five weeks of treatment.
Francis appealed for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged all parties to find the "courage to resume dialogue." He emphasised that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire and requires urgent intervention from both conflicting sides and the international community.
The Pope’s statement comes amid escalating violence in the region, with increasing casualties and worsening humanitarian conditions in the besieged Palestinian territory.
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KSRTC to run 1000 special services to clear Christmas rush
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation will operate 1000 additional special services in view of the Christmas festival.
In addition to the existing schedule, the special services will run on 19.12.2025, 20.12.2025 and 24.12.2025. Further, special buses will be operated from various places of intra & Interstate places to Bengaluru on 26.12.2025 & 28.12.2025.
Special buses will be exclusively operated from Bengaluru Kempegowda Bus Station to Dharmastala, Kukkesubramanya, Shivamogga, Hassan, Mangaluru, Kundapura, Shringeri, Horanadu, Davangere, Hubbali, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Gokarna, Sirsi, Karwar, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Ballari, Koppala, Yadgir, Bidar, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and other places.
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Special buses from Mysuru Road Bus Station will be exclusively operated towards Mysuru, Hunsur, Piriyapatna, Virajpet, Kushalanagar, Madikeri.
The corporation has also announced a discount of 5 per cent on the fare if four or more passengers book tickets under a single reservation. A discount of 10 per cent will be extended on return journey tickets if onward and return tickets are booked simultaneously.
In addition to the above, special buses will be operated from all Taluk/District Bus Stands in the jurisdiction of KSRTC based on the traffic needs.
