Pope Francis has called for an international investigation into whether Israel’s military actions in Gaza meet the criteria for genocide, according to excerpts from a forthcoming book.

His comments, published in the Italian newspaper La Stampa, mark the first time he has publicly urged a legal examination of the situation.

“According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide,” Pope Francis said in Hope Never Disappoints: Pilgrims Toward a Better World.

“We should investigate carefully to determine whether it fits into the technical definition formulated by jurists and international bodies.”

Yaron Sideman, Israel’s ambassador to the Vatican, rejected the claim, asserting that Israel’s actions are legitimate self-defence following the October 2023 Hamas attacks that killed over 1,200 Israelis. Israel argues its operations aim to dismantle Hamas, not target civilians.

The conflict has seen over 43,000 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry, amid worsening humanitarian conditions described by aid agencies as “apocalyptic.” Most of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents have been displaced, with healthcare infrastructure collapsing under the strain of the conflict.

Francis, who has criticised both sides during his tenure, previously referred to the Gaza conflict as “beyond war. This is terrorism.” He has also reportedly used the term “genocide” privately in discussions with Palestinians, though Israel denies such accusations.

The pope’s comments align with increasing international scrutiny. South Africa has filed a case with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of genocide, though no verdict has been issued.

The ICJ has urged Israel to prevent civilian deaths and increase humanitarian aid to Gaza but stopped short of ordering a ceasefire.

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