Pope Francis has expressed his concern regarding the allegations of genocide in Gaza and called for a thorough investigation into the matter. In a forthcoming book titled “Hope never disappoints: Pilgrims towards a better world,” the pontiff highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, particularly the difficulties faced by refugees in accessing food and aid.
The Israeli ambassador to the Holy See, Yaron Sideman, responded to the report by stating that Israel has been acting in self-defense against attacks from various fronts, including the Hamas attack that resulted in casualties and hostages. He emphasized that labeling Israel’s actions as genocide unfairly targets the Jewish state.
Various international figures and organizations, including South Africa and Saudi Arabia, have also raised concerns about Israel’s military operation in Gaza. South Africa has accused Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice, while Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned Israel for its actions in Gaza.
The United Nations Special Committee report indicated that Israel’s conduct in Gaza aligns with the characteristics of genocide, citing mass civilian casualties and the use of starvation as a weapon. The pope’s rare comments on political issues reflect his commitment to promoting peace and humanitarian efforts.
In light of the ongoing crisis in Gaza, it is essential for the international community to prioritize the well-being of civilians and ensure access to humanitarian aid. The devastating impact of the conflict on the Palestinian population underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution and efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the region.
