Top American Muslim body endorses Pope Francis’ call for Gaza genocide investigation

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, has endorsed Pope Francis’ recent call for an investigation into whether Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide.

CAIR’s National Executive Director, Nihad Awad, commended the pontiff’s stance, urging global leaders, including President Joe Biden, to act decisively.

In a newly published book, Pope Francis noted, “According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of genocide.”

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The advocacy group emphasized the staggering human toll of the ongoing conflict, citing reports of mass casualties in Gaza, including at least 96 people killed on a single day, with over 70 fatalities in Beit Lahiya alone. Since the escalation began, more than 43,000 people—primarily women and children—have reportedly been killed in Gaza.

CAIR also highlighted reports of severe human rights violations, including the alleged torture of a Palestinian doctor, targeted killings of journalists, attacks on schools storing humanitarian aid, and settler violence against Palestinian homes.

Awad underscored the urgency of international intervention, stating, “What is needed is action to stop that genocide.” CAIR reiterated its support for the findings of UN and Human Rights Watch reports, which accuse Israel of war crimes and crimes against humanity, and called on the Biden administration to reconsider its continued military aid to Israel.

The statement in full:

“Religious and political leaders worldwide are calling Israel’s murderous campaign in Gaza what it is – genocide. The Biden administration continues to stand almost alone on the world stage in its blind support for this genocide and in turning a blind eye to the suffering and legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

“We welcome the principled stance of Pope Francis and urge his followers – including President Biden – to heed the call, take a stand and demand justice and accountability.

“While we welcome the Pope’s statement, there is no need to prove or investigate the obvious. Numerous UN and internationally-authoritative bodies concluded that Israel is committing a genocide. “What is needed is action to stop that genocide.”