Pope Francis Calls Gaza Bombings 'Cruelty', Israel Responds with 'Double Standards' Claim

Pope Francis condemned the bombing of children in Gaza as "cruelty" on Saturday, following an Israeli airstrike that killed 10 members of a family, including seven children, in northern Gaza. Speaking to members of the Holy See's government, the Pope said, "This is cruelty, this is not war."

Israel reacted strongly, accusing the Pope of "double standards" in a statement from its foreign ministry. The ministry expressed disappointment, saying the remarks ignored the broader context of Israel's fight against jihadist terrorism.

"Enough with the double standards and the singling out of the Jewish state and its people," the statement read.

Gaza Tragedy

The airstrike in question occurred on Friday, as reported by Gaza’s civil defense rescue agency. The tragic incident added to the toll of the ongoing conflict, which began after Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, taking over 100 hostages.

Israel’s Response

Israel defended its actions, highlighting what it described as the "cruelty" of Hamas using civilians as shields while targeting Israeli children. "Cruelty is terrorists hiding behind children while trying to murder Israeli children," the Israeli statement said, referencing hostages held by Hamas.

The exchange highlights the deepening divisions between global religious leaders and Israel over the humanitarian toll of the conflict in Gaza.