Pope Francis strongly criticized Israel after an airstrike in Gaza killed at least seven children from the same family, the oldest just six years old.

The tragedy occurred Friday in Jabaliya, in the northern Gaza Strip, prompting the Pope to call the attack “cruelty, not war” during an audience with the Roman Curia. 

The Pontiff also highlighted that Israel had failed to honor its promise to allow the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, into Gaza. “Yesterday they didn’t let the Patriarch of Jerusalem enter Gaza as promised, and children were bombed. This is cruelty, not war,” said Pope Francis. 

In response, Israel issued a sharp statement, calling the Pope’s remarks “disappointing” and accusing him of applying a “double standard.”

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said his comments were “out of touch with the real context of Israel’s fight against jihadist terrorism,” defending its military actions and rejecting claims of indiscriminate violence. 

“This is cruelty, this is not war,” Pope Francis told an audience of members of the government of the Holy See, condemning the killing of children in Gaza by Israeli forces. The Israeli attack on Friday left seven children from one family dead. pic.twitter.com/xj59N1wkqT

— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) December 21, 2024

The church and its request to Israel

Meanwhile, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa was finally allowed into the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza, where he held a mass, according to a statement from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

The pastoral visit followed international pressure triggered by the Pope’s criticism and the initial difficulties the delegation faced entering the territory. 

Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasized the need to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access in Gaza. In November, he also called for investigations into potential genocide allegations against the Palestinian population, as reported by international human rights organizations. 

The Pope’s denunciation stands as one of his strongest statements regarding the conflict in the region, reflecting his concern over the humanitarian impact of the war.

His comments have sparked a diplomatic exchange between the Vatican and Israel, highlighting tensions between the Church and Israeli authorities as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens.