Pope Francis has called for an investigation into whether Israel's military actions in Gaza meet the criteria for genocide.
In excerpts from his upcoming book, published Sunday by La Stampa, the Pope referenced experts who believe the situation in Gaza has "characteristics of genocide."
He urged the international community to carefully evaluate whether the events fit the legal definition under international law, according to Hotnews.
The comments mark one of Pope Francis’s strongest criticisms of Israel’s actions during the year-long conflict with Hamas.
While he typically avoids taking sides in international disputes, he has recently become more vocal about his concerns over the humanitarian impact of Israel’s military campaign.
Could Constitute Genocide
In December, South Africa filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for alleged violations of the Genocide Convention.
In January, the ICJ ordered Israel to ensure its forces refrain from acts that could constitute genocide. A decision on the core allegations has not yet been made.
Israel denies the accusations of genocide. Officials argue that its military campaign in Gaza is aimed solely at Hamas and other armed groups.
Israeli Ambassador to the Vatican, Yaron Sideman, pointed to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks as a key factor.
"There was a genocidal massacre of Israeli citizens. Since then, Israel has exercised its right to self-defense against multiple threats to its people," Sideman stated.
The Vatican has not issued an official response to the Pope’s remarks. However, its news platform highlighted the genocide comments in its coverage of the book excerpts.
Pope Francis has intensified his criticism of Israel in recent months.
In September, he condemned the deaths of Palestinian children caused by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. He also called Israel’s airstrikes in Lebanon "beyond morality."
