Israel Summons Vatican Envoy Over Pope’s Comments on Gaza

Israel calls in the Vatican envoy to discuss remarks made by Pope Francis on the Gaza conflict, sparking diplomatic tensions amidst ongoing violence in the region.

According to several reports from Israeli media on Wednesday, the Vatican’s ambassador has been called to the Israeli Foreign Ministry in response to Pope Francis’ criticism of what he termed the “cruelty” of airstrikes in Gaza.

The Ynet news website reported that Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana was called for a discussion with Foreign Ministry Director General Eyal Bar-Tal on Tuesday. While Bar-Tal criticized the Pope’s comments, he did not officially reprimand Yllana, according to the report.

Ahead of Christmas, the Pope once again urged for a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the civilian casualties resulting from Israeli airstrikes.

“This is cruelty, not war. I wanted to express this because it touches the heart,” said the pontiff, as reported by Reuters.

In his forthcoming book, Pope Francis has been quoted by Vatican News as stating that the allegations of genocide committed by the Israeli army against Palestinians “should be carefully investigated.” This statement was made last month.

West Jerusalem has rejected the genocide allegations, asserting that Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, employs civilians as human shields. “The true cruelty lies in terrorists hiding behind children while attempting to kill Israeli children; it is demonstrated by holding 100 hostages for 442 days, including infants and minors,” stated the Foreign Ministry last month.

“Regrettably, the pope has decided to overlook these issues,” stated Israeli diplomats. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that operations in Gaza will persist until Israel neutralizes the threat posed by Hamas.

According to local authorities and the UN, over 45,000 individuals have lost their lives in Gaza since October 2023, with nearly 90% of residents from the Palestinian enclave being displaced.

The conflict was initiated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas and affiliated groups launched an unexpected assault on Israeli cities. This resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and over 200 people being taken hostage. It is believed that around 100 Israelis remain captive in Gaza.