DeKalb GA News

Pope Francis has recently called for an international investigation into allegations of genocide in Gaza. This follows his previous condemnation of Israel's military actions as "terrorism." The pontiff's statements were made during the recitation of the Angelus prayer from St. Peter’s Square, where he described the situation as both war and terrorism.

The conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups launched a coordinated attack on Israel. Human Rights Watch has reported numerous violations of international humanitarian law during this assault, which could amount to war crimes. These included deliberate attacks against civilians and hostage-taking.

Israeli authorities reported that approximately 1,195 individuals were killed in the attack, with at least 815 being civilians. The attack also led to a significant hostage crisis involving around 251 civilians and Israeli security forces taken into Gaza.

Pope Francis recounted an incident involving a mother and daughter allegedly killed by Israeli Defense Forces snipers, using it to highlight his concerns over urban warfare complexities and civilian casualties. He stated: “Some say: ‘It’s terrorism, it’s war.’ Yes, it’s war, it’s terrorism.”

According to excerpts from an upcoming book on Pope Francis released by The Times of Israel, he has now called for an investigation into whether Israel's actions in Gaza constitute "genocide." This marks the first time he has openly urged such an inquiry. Previously in September, he labeled Israel's military actions as "immoral" and disproportionate.

The call for investigation comes after what Pope Francis described as immoral acts following the October 7th massacre by Hamas.