Pope Condemns Violence Against Children in Gaza
Pope Francis has expressed deep sorrow over the recent deaths of children in Gaza, condemning the airstrike that killed seven children from the same family. During a meeting with cardinals, he described the incident as "cruelty" and emphasized that such actions do not constitute war. His remarks followed a report from Gaza's Civil Defense, which labeled the airstrike a massacre, stating that ten members of the Khalla family were killed, including seven children aged six and younger. The Pope's statement reflects his ongoing concern for the humanitarian crisis in the region, as he remains informed about the situation through daily communications with local parish leaders.
The Israeli military, however, disputed the casualty figures provided by Gaza officials, asserting that their operations targeted Hamas militants and that the reported toll did not align with their intelligence. This incident adds to the ongoing tension in the region, which has seen significant loss of life since the outbreak of conflict following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Concerns
The conflict, which has escalated dramatically in recent months, has resulted in over 45,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Hamas health ministry reports, with the majority being civilians. On the Israeli side, the death toll stands at 1,208, primarily civilians, as reported by AFP. The Pope has increasingly called for peace and dialogue, criticizing what he perceives as the prevailing arrogance over constructive dialogue in the region. His remarks come amid a backdrop of heightened violence and a humanitarian crisis that has drawn international attention and condemnation.
