The Pope, for the first time publicly, has labeled the Israeli military offensive in Gaza as potentially genocidal, according to media reports.
Excerpts from an upcoming book reveal Pope Francis’s call for an investigation into whether Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide against the Palestinian people.
In a strong statement, the pontiff urged the international community to conduct a thorough legal review of Israel’s operations.
“According to some experts, the situation in Gaza displays characteristics consistent with genocide,” the Pope stated in excerpts published by La Stampa. “A comprehensive inquiry is needed to ascertain if it aligns with the legal definition established by jurists and international bodies.”
The book, ‘Hope never disappoints. Pilgrims towards a better world,’ by Hernan Reyes Alcaide, features interviews with the Pope and will be released on Tuesday.
This marks the Pope’s first public use of the term “genocide” in reference to the Israeli offensive, aligning with recent UN reports. The UN report stated that IDF actions “are consistent with the characteristics of genocide,” citing the use of starvation as a method of warfare.
The extensive destruction in Gaza has displaced approximately 1.9 million Palestinians—over 90% of the territory’s population, according to the UN.
Israel’s Ambassador to the Vatican, Yaron Sideman, refuted the genocide accusations.
“The October 7, 2023, massacre of Israeli citizens was a genocidal act, and Israel’s subsequent actions constitute self-defense against attacks from seven fronts,” he stated on X.
“Any alternative interpretation unfairly targets the Jewish State.”
Since the October 2023 Hamas-Israel conflict began, numerous international organizations have condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza.
South Africa brought a case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in December, alleging that Israel’s offensive was “genocidal in character.”
Following Hamas attacks resulting in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis, Israel launched its military operation. Over a year into the conflict, over 43,000 Palestinians have been killed and almost 97,000 injured due to IDF bombardments, according to Gaza’s health officials.