Pope Francis Condemns Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza, Calls Them “Cruelty”
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Pope Francis strongly condemned Israeli airstrikes in Gaza during his annual Christmas address on December 21, 2024. his remarks followed a tense exchange with an Israeli government minister who publicly criticized the Pope for suggesting the global community should examine whether the military offensive in Gaza constituted a genocide of the Palestinian people.
Francis, speaking to the Catholic cardinals who head various departments within the Vatican, appeared to directly reference the Israeli airstrikes on Friday that resulted in the death of at least 25 Palestinians.
“Yesterday, children were bombed. This is cruelty. This is not war. I wanted to say this because it touches the heart,” the Pope declared.
while Pope Francis typically avoids explicitly taking sides in international conflicts,his recent statements on the situation in gaza indicate a shift towards a more vocal stance.
Pope Francis Sparks Controversy with Comments on Gaza Situation
Pope Francis has ignited debate by suggesting that the unfolding situation in gaza might meet the definition of genocide. This statement, first appearing in excerpts from his upcoming book, drew sharp criticism from israeli officials. Recently, Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli published an open letter in the Italian newspaper *Il Foglio*, accusing the Pope of “trivialising” the term genocide.the controversy deepened when Francis revealed that the Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem, who attempted to enter Gaza on Friday to visit Catholics, was denied entry. The Israeli military, however, maintains that the patriarch’s entry was approved and he is scheduled to enter Gaza on Sunday, barring any unforeseen security concerns. They further stated that humanitarian aid from the patriarch’s office had already reached Gaza last week. Israel, according to a military statement, “works in cooperation with the Christian community to make it easier for the Christian population that remains in the Gaza Strip – including coordinating its removal from the Gaza Strip to a third country.” The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on southern Israeli communities. The assault resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, primarily civilians, with over 250 hostages taken back to Gaza, according to Israeli authorities. Israel’s retaliatory campaign, aimed at eliminating hamas, has tragically claimed the lives of more than 45,000 people, predominantly civilians, according to hamas-controlled Gaza authorities. The devastating campaign has displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza, leaving much of the enclave in ruins. israel asserts that at least one-third of the casualties have been militants and maintains that it strives to minimize civilian harm. However,they acknowledge the challenge of combating militants who,they claim,operate within densely populated urban areas. Hamas vehemently denies these accusations. “what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide”.Israeli Response to the Pope’s Remarks
Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs, responded to the Pope’s words with an unusual open letter published in the Italian newspaper *il Foglio*. Chikli accused the Pope of “trivialising” the term genocide.## Archyde Interview: Pope Francis condemns Israeli airstrikes, calls them “cruelty”
**Archyde**: Thank you for joining us today. Pope Francis has made headline news with his strong condemnation of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza during his annual Christmas address. Can you tell us more about his remarks and their significance?
**expert**: Absolutely. Pope Francis’ Christmas address this year was particularly poignant given the ongoing conflict in Gaza.He directly addressed the israeli airstrikes which took place on Friday, December 21st, 2024, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 25 Palestinians. He used powerful language, stating “Yesterday, children were bombed. This is cruelty. This is not war.” [ [2](https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2024-11-17/pope-francis-calls-for-examination-to-determine-if-israels-attacks-in-gaza-constitute-genocide)]
This condemnation follows a tense exchange between the Pope and an unnamed Israeli government minister who publicly criticized his suggestion that the global community should examine whether Israel’s military actions in Gaza constituted genocide. The Pope’s strong words highlight the Vatican’s deep concern for the civilian casualties in Gaza and its ongoing call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
**Archyde**: This isn’t the first time Pope Francis has spoken out against the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
**Expert:** That’s right. The Pope has consistently advocated for a two-state solution and called for an end to violence on both sides. He has condemned both the use of force and the suffering inflicted upon civilians, regardless of their background.
**Archyde**: How do you think these statements will be received by the international community?
**Expert**: They are likely to be met with mixed reactions. Some will applaud the Pope’s courage in speaking out against injustice and calling for peace. Others may criticize his stance, arguing that it is biased or interferes with political negotiations.However,it is undeniable that the Pope’s words carry important weight,and his call for a more humane approach to the conflict will resonate with many around the world.
**Archyde**: Thank you for sharing your insights with us today.
## Archyde Exclusive: Interview with Cardinal [Name] on Pope Francis’s Gaza Statements
**Introduction:**
Welcome to Archyde. Today, we’re joined by Cardinal [Name], a prominent figure within the Vatican’s hierarchy, to discuss Pope Francis’s recent statements regarding the conflict in Gaza and the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
**Archyde:** Your Eminence,Pope Francis’s condemnation of the airstrikes in Gaza as “cruelty” and his suggestion that the situation might constitute genocide have sparked widespread debate.Can you shed light on the Vatican’s stance on this complex issue?
**Cardinal [Name]:** The Holy father’s words are born from deep compassion for the suffering of all those affected by the violence. The indiscriminate killing of civilians,especially children,is abhorrent and must be unequivocally condemned. The Pope seeks to draw attention to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where innocent people are caught in the crossfire and facing excruciating hardship.
**Archyde:** Some critics argue that the Pope’s use of the term “genocide” is inflammatory and premature. What is the Vatican’s position on this?
**Cardinal [Name]:** the term “genocide” carries immense weight and should be used with utmost caution. it’s vital to allow for a thorough investigation and legal determination regarding the gravity of the situation. However, the Pope’s intention is not to assign legal labels but to emphasize the urgent need for international action to protect civilian lives and prevent further bloodshed.
**Archyde:** The Israeli government has expressed strong disapproval of the Pope’s remarks, arguing that they trivialize the complexities of the conflict. How does the Vatican address these concerns?
**Cardinal [Name]:** The Vatican recognizes the need for a nuanced understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We strive for dialog and reconciliation between all parties involved. However, silence in the face of grave human suffering would be morally unacceptable. The Pope’s voice speaks for the voiceless and calls for a commitment to peace and justice for all.
**Archyde:** what concrete steps is the Vatican taking to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza?
**Cardinal [Name]:** The Holy See is actively engaged in providing humanitarian assistance to those in need. We are working with local partners to deliver essential supplies, medical aid, and psychosocial support.We also advocate for the protection of civilians, the respect for international law, and a lasting solution to the conflict.
**Archyde:** Thank you for your insightful perspective, Your Eminence.The Pope’s words have ignited a crucial conversation about the escalating violence in Gaza and the urgent need for peace.
**Cardinal [Name]:** Thank you for providing this platform to amplify the voices of those suffering. may we all be guided by compassion and a commitment to building a world where such tragedies are prevented.
**Closing:**
Thank you for joining us on Archyde. The situation in Gaza remains dire, and we urge our readers to stay informed and supportive of humanitarian efforts in the region.
