Pope Francis Condemns Gaza Strikes as ‘Cruel,’ Sparks Sharp Israeli Response

Pope Francis Condemns Gaza Strikes as “Cruel”

Pope Francis, during his Sunday Angelus prayer, condemned the ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, describing them as “cruel” and highlighting the suffering of children, schools, and hospitals. This marks the second time in two days he has spoken out strongly against the violence.

“With a heavy heart, I think of Gaza, of the immense cruelty, the children gunned down, the bombings of schools and hospitals,” the pope said, referencing an airstrike that reportedly killed seven children from one family.

Israel responded sharply, calling the pope’s remarks “disappointing” and accusing him of ignoring the broader conflict. A foreign ministry spokesperson said, “Cruelty is terrorists using children as shields while attacking Israeli civilians and holding hostages for over 442 days.”

Pope Francis’s recent statements reflect a change in tone. While he has consistently called for peace, his recent criticisms of Israeli military actions and references to “the invader’s arrogance” in Palestine suggest a more direct alignment with Palestinian grievances.

The war, which began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack on Israel, has resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and many hostages taken. On the Palestinian side, more than 45,000 civilians have reportedly died, according to figures from Gaza’s health ministry, considered credible by the United Nations.

Call for Peace

The Vatican, which recognizes Palestine as a state and supports a two-state solution, continues to call for dialogue and reconciliation. The pope’s remarks, however, have sparked debate over their impact on international perspectives of the conflict.

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