Pope Francis: Gaza’s Situation Amid Israeli War is “Shameful, Severe, and Unacceptable”

Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, has intensified his criticism of the Israeli war in Gaza as the conflict enters its 16th month. He described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “shameful, severe, and unacceptable.”

In his annual diplomatic address, read by an aide on Thursday, Pope Francis expressed deep concern about the deteriorating conditions in Gaza. He highlighted the plight of Palestinians suffering from severe cold, lack of electricity, and an acute shortage of fuel.

We cannot accept bombings that target civilians. The humanitarian toll is devastating.”

The ongoing war has led to relentless bombing campaigns by Israel, with no pause in violence since the conflict began. Over 46,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, with nearly 70% of the casualties being women and children. The death toll from starvation and freezing conditions continues to rise, adding to the tragedy.

The Pope specifically condemned the deaths of children, stating. Hospitals are in ruins, and the energy infrastructure is utterly destroyed.”

Pope Francis’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the pressing need for a resolution to the Gaza conflict, urging the global community to act against the continuous loss of innocent lives.

The Vatican’s annual message emphasizes the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis and underscores the moral imperative to protect civilians in war zones.