Pope calls for probe into potential genocide in Gaza – POLITICO

Pope Francis has called for an investigation into whether Israel’s strikes on the Gaza Strip constitute genocide, according to excerpts from an upcoming book.

Israel’s attacks, which have killed more than 40,000 people, are largely seen as retaliation for the Oct. 7, 2023 attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel.

“According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide,” the pope says, according to published excerpts of the book. The pontiff adds that “it should be carefully investigated to determine whether it fits into the technical definition formulated by jurists and international bodies.” The excerpts were published by Italian daily La Stampa on Sunday.

It’s the first time Pope Francis has talked about potential genocide to describe the conflict in Gaza, the Associated Press reported. In September he suggested that Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon were immoral and disproportionate.

The book — titled “Hope Never Disappoints. Pilgrims Towards a Better World” — is being released ahead of the pope’s 2025 Jubilee. It was written by Hernán Reyes Alcaide based on interviews with Francis.