Pope: "Gaza may bear characteristics of genocide"

Pope Francis urged an in-depth investigation into claims by experts that events in Gaza may meet the criteria for genocide.

His remarks appear in his new book, Hope Never Disappoints: Pilgrims Towards a Better World, marking the first time the Pope raised such a possibility about the situation in Gaza.

"Some experts suggest that what is happening in Gaza bears the characteristics of genocide," he stated in excerpts published by Italy's La Stampa. He called for these claims to be rigorously examined to determine if they align with the legal definition established by international law.

The Pope’s statement comes on the heels of a UN special committee report suggesting "Israel's" actions in Gaza could potentially amount to genocide. This report, authored by representatives from Malaysia, Senegal, and Sri Lanka, cited policies of starvation, restricted access to essential services, and other measures as factors that may qualify under the definition of genocide.