Vatican City, Nov 18 (V7N)- Pope Francis has urged the international community to investigate whether the ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza amount to genocide, advocating for the establishment of an independent committee comprising jurists and international figures.


According to a report from Associated Press (AP), citing the Italian newspaper Daily La Stampa, Pope Francis stated that some experts suggest the situation in Gaza bears the hallmarks of genocide. "We must carefully investigate whether it meets the technical definition developed by lawyers and international organizations," he said.

This is the first time the Pope has explicitly called for an investigation into the allegations of genocide since the onset of the current conflict in Gaza.


Known for his cautious approach to international conflicts, Pope Francis usually refrains from taking sides. Instead, he emphasizes peacebuilding and de-escalation. His latest statement underscores his concern about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and its potential legal implications under international law.


Israel has categorically denied accusations of genocide. As of now, the country's foreign ministry has not issued a response to Pope Francis' comments.


This development follows a series of diplomatic efforts by Pope Francis to address the suffering on both sides of the conflict. Last year, he met separately with relatives of Palestinians and Israeli hostages affected by the violence in Gaza. After these meetings, he highlighted the shared pain and suffering experienced by Israelis and Palestinians.


The Gaza conflict has drawn widespread international attention, with human rights organizations and world leaders expressing concern over civilian casualties and the humanitarian impact of the offensive. The Pope's call for an investigation is likely to amplify the discourse surrounding accountability in the conflict.

An impartial investigation into the allegations could pave the way for a deeper understanding of the situation and potential actions under international law.