Pope Francis condemns bombing of Gaza children as cruelty

Pope Francis delivered a strong condemnation of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza during his Christmas address to members of the Roman Curia on December 21, 2024. During his remarks, he referred to a recent airstrike that killed at least 25 Palestinians, including children. He emphasized that this act should not be characterized as warfare but rather as cruelty, highlighting the tragic loss of innocent lives.' The Pope has increasingly voiced concerns regarding the humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, particularly emphasizing the suffering of children and civilians trapped in the conflict. This recent airstrike is part of Israel's continuous military campaign against the militant group Hamas, which intensified after the October 7, 2023, attacks that left 1,200 Israelis dead. Since the escalation of violence, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has severely deteriorated, with extensive damage to infrastructures such as homes, schools, and hospitals, leaving a significant portion of the population displaced and vulnerable to winter conditions. The ongoing crisis has drawn international attention, with various organizations warning of rising hunger, malnutrition, and illness among the population, particularly among children. The Pope’s remarks come amid a growing debate over whether the actions during this conflict might amount to genocide, a claim that has sparked significant backlash from Israeli officials, who argue against the use of such terms to describe their military efforts. The Pope, while advocating for peace, has taken a more active stance in calling for an examination of the actions being taken in Gaza and their implications. His highlighted concerns reflect the continuing plight of many Palestinians facing dire living conditions and growing fears for the future amid the ongoing military operations.