Pope Francis calls for international investigation into whether Israel's actions in Gaza have 'characteristics of a genocide'

While critical of Israel’s military operations, the pope has avoided publicly invoking the word genocide until now, but his new book brings the accusation directly, calling for an investigation.

In excerpts from the book released on Nov. 19, in Italian and Spanish, the Italian Daily ‘La Stampa’ cited the pope saying, “It should be carefully investigated to determine whether it fits the technical definition of genocide formulated by jurists and international bodies.”

Further, he stated, “According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide.”

Pope Francis wrote on the theme, ‘Hope Never Disappoints’, in his book that will be translated into 80 languages and released globally in January for the 2025 Jubilee, designed to accompany pilgrims through the Catholic Jubilee Year.

The Vatican News website explained, “Pope Francis addresses current issues, including the suffering of war displaced and the famine in Palestine. He underscores the importance of respecting human dignity.” 

The Pope has previously expressed criticism of Israel’s conduct in the war precipitated by the October 7 attack according to The Times of Israel. The report told of how the Pope had private meetings with both Israeli and Palestinian families not long after the war began, and set off a “firestorm” by using the words “terrorism” and “genocide”, albeit behind closed doors. 

Pope Francis has met with the families of some of the hostages still held captive in Gaza on a number of occasions, and has petitioned for their release. However, in September he publicly called Israel’s operations in Gaza and Lebanon “immoral” and disproportionate, saying that they transgressed the rules of war. This book marks the first time Pope Francis has publicly invoked the language of genocide.

Yaron Sideman, ambassador to the Vatican renounced the remarks, countering that “the only act of genocide was Hamas’s massacre of Israelis.”

He posted on social media: “Following today’s report in Vatican News: There was a genocidal massacre on 7 October 2023 of Israeli citizens, and since then, Israel has exercised its right of self-defense against attempts from seven different fronts to kill its citizens,” Sideman added, “Any attempt to call it by any other name is singling out the Jewish state.”

The Oxford Dictionary defines genocide as “The deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or group.” Israel has consistently denied the label, insisting that civilians are not being killed intentionally, pointing to the human shields strategy of terror groups Hamas and Hezbollah.

Israeli lawyer Tal Becker, gave the following statement at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague in response to the allegations leveled by South Africa that Israel is operating in Gaza with “genocidal intent”:

“If there have been acts that may be characterized as genocidal, then they have been perpetrated against Israel,” adding, “If there is a concern about the obligations of states under the Genocide Convention, then it is in relation to their responsibilities to act against Hamas’ proudly declared intention of annihilation.” 

Israel’s lead counsel, Malcolm Shaw, took the stand and echoed Becker’s statement, adding: "If there is any genocidal intent, it is the events of October 7.”  

The book, over which the Pontiff had editorial control, was written by Hernán Reyes Alcaide based on interviews with the Pope, the full title being, “Hope never disappoints. Pilgrims towards a better world.”