Gaza (Quds News Network)- Pope Francis criticized Israel’s bombing of children in Gaza, calling it “cruelty.” He spoke on Saturday after reports of an Israeli airstrike that killed 10 members of a family, including seven children, in northern Gaza.
“Yesterday children were bombed. This is cruelty, not war,” Pope Francis said during his annual Christmas address. He also condemned Israel for blocking the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem from entering Gaza to visit Catholics.
Since the Gaza genocide began on October 7, 2023, the Pope has repeatedly called for peace. Recently, he has taken a stronger stance against Israeli crimes. In November, he accused “the invader’s arrogance” of replacing dialogue in Palestine.
His remarks have angered Israeli officials. Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Minister for Diaspora Affairs, criticized the Pope in an open letter, accusing him of trivializing the term genocide.
The Holy See recognized the State of Palestine in 2013 and supports a two-state solution. While the Vatican often avoids taking sides in conflicts, the Pope’s recent comments show growing concern over Gaza.
The Israeli military claimed it had approved the Latin Patriarch’s visit to Gaza. Officials said he would enter on Sunday if security conditions allowed.
Last month, the Pope suggested the situation in Gaza might meet the definition of genocide. He urged further examination of the issue. Israeli authorities rejected that.
