New York (Web Desk): Pope Francis has expressed grave concerns over the ongoing conflict in Gaza, suggesting that Israel’s extensive military actions might qualify as genocide.
In excerpts from a forthcoming book, the pope calls for a thorough investigation to determine if the attacks meet the legal criteria for genocide, as outlined by international law.
He notes that some experts believe the situation in Gaza bears the hallmarks of such a crime, and he stresses the importance of a detailed examination to confirm whether these actions align with the technical definition used by legal authorities.
This marks the first time Pope Francis has directly invoked the term "genocide" in relation to the Gaza conflict. Previously, in September 2023, he criticized Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, describing them as immoral and disproportionate.
The pope’s comments come as the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, with more than 40,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children, reported killed since the start of the Israeli offensive on October 7.
The book, titled Hope Never Disappoints: Pilgrims Toward a Better World, is set to be released ahead of the Vatican's 2025 Jubilee Year. Written by Hernán Reyes Alcaide, it includes interviews with the pope on a variety of topics, with the Gaza conflict being a prominent subject.
Meanwhile, fresh reports from Gaza indicate that Israeli airstrikes have continued to target densely populated civilian areas, such as a multi-story building in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza, which housed several families.
According to Palestinian sources, at least 72 people were killed in the attack, with many others injured. Videos from the scene show locals scrambling to rescue bodies from the rubble of the collapsed structure, while neighboring homes also suffered significant damage.
The violence is part of Israel's broader military strategy in Gaza aimed at dismantling Hamas, though the disproportionate impact on civilians has sparked significant international debate.
The ongoing Israeli military operation in Gaza, which includes ground assaults by tanks in various towns and refugee camps, is aimed at rooting out Hamas fighters.
However, the heavy toll on civilian life has led to growing international calls for accountability and a reexamination of the broader humanitarian crisis in the region.
