Pope Francis was an outspoken critic of Israel’s attacks on Gaza and made regular calls for a ceasefire, Al Jazeera reports.
Here are some of the occasions he publicly condemned the war on the besieged enclave:
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During Francis’s last public remarks on Sunday on the occasion of Easter, the pontiff said: “The Israeli war on the Gaza Strip is generating death and destruction and causing a horrific and shameful humanitarian situation.” He urged a ceasefire and for aid to be allowed to enter Gaza. Israel has blocked the entry of all aid since March 2.
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In January, Francis condemned Israel’s military campaign, calling the humanitarian crisis “very serious and shameful”. “We cannot in any way accept the bombing of civilians,” the pope said in an address.
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In November, the pope suggested the global community should study whether Israel’s military campaign in Gaza constitutes a genocide of the Palestinian people. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is hearing a genocide case against Israel. The late pontiff often was criticised by Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called the pope’s comments “disgraceful”.
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In September, Francis decried the deaths of Palestinian children in Israeli military strikes in Gaza, calling the bombing of schools on the “presumption” of striking Hamas fighters “ugly”.
