Pope Francis is one of the most high-profile figures on the international scene to imply that Israel's actions in Gaza could amount to genocide.
Reuters reports that Pope Francis suggests an international study into possible genocide in Gaza.
"We should investigate carefully to assess whether this fits into the technical definition (of genocide) formulated by international jurists and organizations," the pope said in the excerpts, published by Italian daily La Stampa. (Pope Francis Suggests International Study Into Possible Genocide in Gaza, n.d.)
Vatican News explains that in a book for the Jubilee 2025, Pope Francis addresses current issues, including the suffering of war displaced and the famine in Palestine. He underscores the importance of respecting human dignity. The book comes out on Tuesday 19 November in Italy, Spain and Latin America, and will follow in other countries.
In one passage the Pope mentions the humanitarian crisis in Gaza saying that what has happened must be investigated. Speaking of nations receiving war refugees, he says "In the Middle East, where the open doors of nations like Jordan or Lebanon continue to be a salvation for millions of people fleeing conflicts in the region: I am thinking above all of those who leave Gaza in the midst of the famine that has struck their Palestinian brothers and sisters given the difficulty of getting food and aid into their territory."
"According to some experts," Pope Francis writes, "what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide. It should be carefully investigated to determine whether it fits into the technical definition formulated by jurists and international bodies." (Pope: Investigate Whether Genocide Is Taking Place in Gaza, Respect Human Dignity, n.d.)
Middle East Eye staff write that Pope Francis has called for an investigation into the allegations of "experts" about genocide in Gaza.
In a new book, Hope Never Disappoints. Pilgrims Towards a Better World, the Catholic leader for the first time suggested that Israel's attack on the Gaza Strip could be characterised as a genocide.
"According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of genocide," he wrote, in extracts published on Sunday in Italy's La Stampa daily.
"This should be studied carefully to determine whether (the situation) corresponds to the technical definition formulated by jurists and international organisations." (Pope Francis Has Called for an Investigation Into the Allegations of "Experts" About Genocide in Gaza., n.d.)
Giada Zampano from AP Rome reports that Pope Francis has called for an investigation to determine if Israel’s attacks in Gaza constitute genocide, according to excerpts released Sunday from an upcoming new book ahead of the pontiff’s jubilee year.
It’s the first time that Francis has openly urged for an investigation of genocide allegations over Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip. In September, he said Israel’s attacks in Gaza and Lebanon have been “immoral” and disproportionate, and that its military has gone beyond the rules of war.
The book, by Hernán Reyes Alcaide and based on interviews with the Pope, is entitled “Hope never disappoints. Pilgrims towards a better world.” It will be released on Tuesday ahead of the pope’s 2025 jubilee. Francis’ yearlong jubilee is expected to bring more than 30 million pilgrims to Rome to celebrate the Holy Year.
“According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide,” the pope said in excerpts published Sunday by the Italian daily La Stampa. (Pope Francis Calls for Investigation to Determine if Israel’s Attacks in Gaza Constitute ‘Genocide’, n.d.)
Reuters notes that last week Francis met at the Vatican with a delegation of former hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, who are advocating for the release of family members and others still being held.
References
Pope Francis calls for investigation to determine if Israel’s attacks in Gaza constitute ‘genocide’. (n.d.). Associated Press News: Breaking News, Latest Headlines and Videos | AP News. Retrieved November 17, 2024, from https://apnews.com/
Pope Francis has called for an investigation into the allegations of "experts" about genocide in Gaza. (n.d.). Middle East Eye: News, Opinion, and Analysis | Middle East Eye. Retrieved November 17, 2024, from https://www.middleeasteye.net/
Pope Francis suggests international study into possible genocide in Gaza. (n.d.). Reuters. Retrieved November 17, 2024, from https://www.reuters.com/world/
Pope: Investigate whether genocide is taking place in Gaza, respect human dignity. (n.d.). Vatican News: News from the Vatican - News about the Church. Retrieved November 17, 2024, from https://www.vaticannews.va/
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