ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV is demanding that Israel stop the “collective punishment” and forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza. Leo was interrupted twice by applause as he read aloud his latest appeal for an end to the 22-month war during his weekly general audience Wednesday. History’s first American pope also called for the release of the remaining hostages taken by Hamas in southern Israel, and for both sides and international players to end the war. Palestinians in Gaza are bracing for Israel’s promised offensive in some of the territory’s most populated areas including Gaza City, where famine has been documented and declared.