### Pope Francis Calls for Genocide Investigation in Gaza; Israel Responds Strongly

Pope Francis has called for a comprehensive investigation into the situation in Gaza, suggesting that the events there might bear the characteristics of genocide. His remarks were made during interviews for a new book, excerpts of which were released by the Italian newspaper La Stampa.

"According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide," Pope Francis stated. "We should investigate carefully to determine whether it fits into the technical definition formulated by jurists and international bodies."

This call for investigation is significant as it marks a departure from the pope's previous comments regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Historically, Pope Francis has maintained a supportive stance toward Israel while condemning violence in general terms. According to The Washington Post, "During his tenure, Francis has offered one the strongest defenses of Israel by a sitting pope."

In private conversations last year, Pope Francis reportedly used the term "genocide" to describe attacks on Gaza. He is also believed to have used the word during meetings with Palestinians and relatives of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas during the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. An attendee from the session with Palestinians even mentioned that the pope described Israel's response as genocide, although a Vatican spokesman later said he could not confirm this statement with certainty.

The pope's latest comments have garnered significant pushback from Israeli officials. Israel's ambassador to the Vatican, Yaron Sideman, quickly criticized the remarks. "There was a genocidal massacre on 7 October 2023 of Israeli citizens, and since then, Israel has exercised its right of self-defense against attempts from seven different fronts to kill its citizens. Any attempt to call it by any other name is singling out the Jewish State," Sideman wrote.

As the dialogue continues, the pope's call for investigation has added a new dimension to the international discourse surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.