Pope Francis Raises Genocide Concerns Over Israel’s Actions in Gaza.
In a significant departure from his previous stance, Pope Francis has for the first time addressed allegations that Israel’s actions in Gaza may meet the criteria for genocide, according to extracts from his upcoming book published in Italy’s La Stampa.
The Pontiff has urged a thorough investigation into whether the situation in Gaza aligns with the legal definition of genocide as established by international law.
“According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of genocide,” the pope wrote, stressing that this claim “should be studied carefully to determine whether (the situation) corresponds to the technical definition formulated by jurists and international bodies.”
The pope’s statement aligns with the recent judgment of the United Nations Special Committee, which accused Israel of “using starvation as a method of war” and said the country’s conduct of warfare in Gaza “is consistent with the characteristics of genocide.” However, Israel has rejected these claims.
While Pope Francis has consistently condemned the loss of life in Israel, he has until now refrained from explicitly using the term “genocide” in relation to the situation in Gaza. However, his latest remarks represent a significant shift in the Pontiff’s position on the ongoing conflict.
In a recent tweet, Pope Francis called for prayers for peace “in martyred Ukraine, in Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, and Sudan,” stating that “War dehumanizes, leading us to tolerate unacceptable crimes. May leaders listen to the cry of the people who long for peace.”
