Pope Francis calls for investigation into Gaza genocide
Pope Francis, the leader of the world's Catholics, called for an investigation into the genocide in the Gaza Strip.
Pope Francis, the leader of the world's Catholics, called for a comprehensive investigation into the genocide in the Gaza Strip before a new book was due to be published in January of next year.
"Hope Never Disappoints: Pilgrims for a Better World," by Ernan Riazalquidi, based on his conversations with the Pope, is set to be published by Pope Francis ahead of the 2025 "Feast of Hope." Excerpts from the book were published in the newspaper La Stampa, in which the Pope said, "According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide. We must carefully examine whether this corresponds to the technical definitions given by judges and international institutions."
Pope Francis's call for an investigation into the genocide in the Gaza Strip came at a time when Israel's attacks on Gaza have resulted in a high number of civilian casualties, with the number of people killed in Gaza as a result of the Zionist regime's attacks reaching more than 43,000. Israel, in violation of UN Security Council resolutions and international laws of war, has targeted civilian sites and infrastructure such as churches, mosques, camps where Palestinian refugees have taken refuge, residential areas and hospitals.
Pope Francis also expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, saying: "We cannot be indifferent to the suffering of the people. Everyone must work to achieve justice and protect innocent civilians."
The Associated Press also published an article about Pope Francis' request and wrote: "This is the first time that Pope Francis has openly called for an investigation into allegations of genocide against Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip. Last September, he said that Israel's attacks in Gaza and Lebanon were immoral and disproportionate, and that its military had violated the laws of war."
Some human rights groups and international organizations have also called for an independent investigation into the matter. Political analysts also believe that such statements by Pope Francis could put more pressure on world governments to address the Gaza crisis.
