Pope Francis calls for investigation into genocide in Gaza

Pope Francis has called for an investigation into whether the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip constitutes genocide.

His remarks, reported by Vatican News on Sunday (17 Nov), were made in the context of his upcoming book, Hope Never Disappoints: Pilgrims Towards a Better World, set for release on Tuesday (19 Nov).

“According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide. It should be carefully investigated to determine whether it fits into the technical definition formulated by jurists and international bodies,” the Pope stated.

The Pope expressed deep concern over the suffering of Palestinians, particularly the severe restrictions on food and humanitarian aid due to Israeli blockades.

“I am thinking above all of those who leave Gaza in the midst of the famine that has struck their Palestinian brothers and sisters given the difficulty of getting food and aid into their territory,” he said, highlighting the dire conditions faced by more than two million residents of the besieged enclave.

The Pope’s call for an investigation aligns with a report released by a United Nations Special Committee on 14 November, which accused Israel of actions consistent with genocide in Gaza.

The report detailed widespread civilian casualties, the destruction of vital infrastructure, and violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws.

According to the UN report, by early 2024, Israel had dropped over 25,000 tons of explosives on Gaza—equivalent to the power of two nuclear bombs.

This bombardment decimated essential infrastructure and released toxic pollutants, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

The collapse of water and sanitation systems, along with the destruction of agriculture, has triggered a public health emergency with long-term consequences.

The report also accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war.

“Since the beginning of the war, Israeli officials have publicly supported policies that strip Palestinians of the very necessities required to sustain life—food, water, and fuel,” the committee stated.

The UN report raised concerns over Israel’s use of AI-enhanced targeting systems, which have disproportionately affected civilians, particularly women and children.

The committee criticized Israel for failing to distinguish between combatants and civilians, a key requirement of international law.

Additionally, the report condemned Israel for suppressing media coverage and dissent.

Journalists have been targeted, and pro-Palestinian content on social media platforms has been disproportionately removed.

“This deliberate silencing of reporting, combined with disinformation and attacks on humanitarian workers, undermines the vital work of the UN, severs the lifeline of aid reaching Gaza, and dismantles the international legal order,” the report stated.

The Committee urged UN member states to fulfil their legal obligations by holding Israel accountable and preventing further violations of international law.

Earlier in 2024, South Africa formally accused Israel of committing genocide during a session at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The ICJ later ordered Israel to take measures to prevent genocide, but stopped short of demanding an immediate ceasefire.

The court instructed Israel to ensure its forces do not engage in genocidal acts and to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians.

Since the escalation of violence on 7 October 2023, the death toll in Gaza has reached at least 43,846 Palestinians, with over 103,740 injured.

The ongoing violence, destruction, and severe humanitarian conditions have drawn widespread international condemnation and calls for accountability.