“This is cruelty, this is not war”: Pope Francis condemns Israel following bombing of children
Pope Francis has denounced the bombing of children in Gaza as an act of “cruelty,” following relentless Israeli airstrikes that killed seven children from one family.
Speaking to members of the Holy See’s government, the pontiff remarked, “Yesterday children were bombed. This is cruelty, this is not war. I want to say it because it touches my heart.”
The Israeli Foreign Ministry sharply criticized the pope’s comments, describing them as “particularly disappointing” and accusing him of applying “double standards” and “singling out the Jewish state.”
Gaza’s civil defense rescue agency reported that 10 members of a family, including seven children, were killed in a strike on Friday in northern Gaza.
This attack is part of Israel’s ongoing offensive in the enclave, which has persisted for over 14 months amid efforts by international mediators to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Since the war began on October 7, 2023, Pope Francis has consistently called for peace but has increasingly intensified his critique of the Israeli military campaign.
In late November, he stated that “the invader’s arrogance… prevails over dialogue” in “Palestine,” marking a departure from the Holy See’s traditional neutrality.
The pontiff has also suggested a “careful” examination of whether the Gaza situation meets the criteria for genocide.
The Holy See, which has recognized the State of Palestine since 2013, continues to advocate for a two-state solution to bring lasting peace in the region.
