Official reports or press releases from Human Rights Watch

Pope Francis Calls for Investigation into Possible Genocide in Gaza by Israel in New Book

Nov 17, 2024, 05:31 PM

Pope Francis has called for an investigation to determine if Israel's military actions in Gaza constitute genocide. In excerpts released from his upcoming book, "Hope Never Disappoints. Pilgrims Towards a Better World," the Pope stated, "According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide," and suggested that the international community should carefully assess Israel's military campaign. This marks the first time Pope Francis has openly urged for such an investigation. Other organizations, including the United Nations Special Committee and Human Rights Watch, have also accused Israel of committing genocide and war crimes. The UN's aid chief told the Security Council that the world is "witnessing acts reminiscent of the gravest international crimes in Gaza," where Israel is accused of deliberately starving Palestinian civilians to force them out of the north. Reports indicate that aid access is at a low point, with deliveries to parts of the besieged north all but impossible. Human Rights Watch released a report accusing Israel of committing war crimes through forced displacement of Palestinians and systematic destruction to make Gaza uninhabitable. The conflict has seen a high number of casualties and significant infrastructure damage, raising serious questions about compliance with international law.