Pope Francis Urges Investigation into Whether Israel’s Gaza Offensive Constitutes ‘Genocide’

Pope Francis has called for a comprehensive investigation to determine whether Israel’s military campaign in Gaza amounts to genocide." 

According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza shows the hallmarks of genocide," the pope wrote in a forthcoming book, Hope Never Disappoints: Pilgrims Towards a Better World, set for release on November 19. His remarks were cited by Vatican News, the Holy See’s official outlet. "It must be thoroughly investigated to determine if it meets the legal criteria defined by international jurists and organizations."

Reflecting on the dire situation facing refugees, the pope expressed deep concern, calling for an international investigation: "I am particularly thinking of those fleeing Gaza, amidst the famine devastating their Palestinian brothers and sisters, as food and aid struggle to reach their territory," Vatican News reported. 

While Pope Francis has privately referred to Israel’s actions as "genocide," this marks the first time he has publicly called for a formal investigation. His comments were part of an interview with journalist Hernan Reyes Alcaide, published Sunday in La Stampa. 

The pontiff is the latest in a growing number of international figures to describe Israel's military actions in Gaza as a potential genocide.

Yaron Sideman, Israel’s designated ambassador to the Vatican, rejected the accusation, writing on X that "there was a genocidal massacre on October 7, 2023, of Israeli citizens. Since then, Israel has exercised its right to self-defense against attacks from seven different fronts aimed at killing its citizens," referring to the Hamas assault that killed at least 1,200 Israelis. 

The war in Gaza has prompted multiple legal challenges at international courts in The Hague, with requests for arrest warrants and accusations of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. 

A U.N. Special Committee recently condemned Israel’s actions as "consistent with the characteristics of genocide," accusing Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war. These findings have been swiftly rejected by the United States, Israel’s key ally. 

In addition, South Africa, supported by Turkey, Spain and Mexico, has filed a case of genocide against Israel before the International Court of Justice. In January, the court ordered Israel to ensure its forces avoid committing genocidal acts. However, the court has yet to rule on whether genocide has occurred in Gaza.

The 1948 Genocide Convention defines genocide as acts aimed at destroying, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group. These acts include killing members of the group, causing harm, creating life-threatening conditions, preventing births, or forcibly transferring children.

The pope’s comments come at a time when Gaza’s civilian population is facing severe hardship. More than a year of relentless conflict has left 2.2 million residents displaced, many living in overcrowded camps or the remains of bombed homes.

Health care has collapsed, and in the north, where a harsh siege has trapped civilians for weeks, aid agencies are warning of "apocalyptic" conditions.

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