Pope Francis calls for genocide investigation in Gaza
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Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica on Nov. 17 in Vatican City. Photo: Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images
Pope Francis called for an investigation into whether Israel's military actions in Gaza legally constitute genocide, according to a book due out this week.
Why it matters: The pope has previously criticized Israel's attacks on Gaza as "immoral" and disproportionate, but had stopped short of calling for an investigation into whether they violate international law.
- Francis reportedly privately used the term "genocide" last year to describe Israeli military actions while speaking to a group of Palestinians, the Washington Post reported.
Driving the news: Pope Francis made the remarks in a forthcoming book — "Hope Never Disappoints. Pilgrims Towards a Better World" — that was based on interviews with him.
- It's set to be released Tuesday in Italy, Spain and Latin America, the Vatican News reported Sunday.
- "According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide," Francis is quoted as saying in the book.
- "We should investigate carefully to determine whether it fits into the technical definition formulated by jurists and international bodies," he adds.
The big picture: Palestinian health authorities estimate tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed since the war began in October 2023, following Hamas' Oct. 7 terror attacks, which killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the kidnapping of 250 hostages.
- A UN report earlier this month stated that nearly 70% of the verified fatalities in Gaza were women and children.
- Israel's military operations are estimated to have damaged or destroyed roughly 60% of the buildings in Gaza.
Zoom out: South Africa filed a case against Israel in the International Court of Justice last fall, accusing it of committing genocide in Gaza.
- No ruling in the case has been issued yet, but Israel has resolutely denied all allegations of genocide.
- Israel has also lobbied U.S. lawmakers to push South Africa to drop its ICJ case.
Go deeper: Mapped: Nearly 60% of Gaza damaged or destroyed in one year of war
