Israel says Pope Francis has 'double standards' on Gaza war

(CLO) Pope Francis has strongly condemned Israel's airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, continuing to criticize the "cruelty" of the attacks, despite Israel's rebuttal and accusations that he applies "double standards".

"With pain, I think of Gaza, of so much cruelty, of children being machine-gunned, of schools and hospitals being bombed. What cruelty," the Pope said after his weekly Angelus prayer on December 22.

Earlier on December 20, the Pope expressed his condolences over the loss of seven children from the same family in Gaza due to Israeli airstrikes.

Pope Francis leads the Angelus prayer at the Vatican on December 22. Photo: Vatican Media

The Pope's remarks have drawn a sharp reaction from Israel. A spokesman for the Israeli Foreign Ministry said the Pope was showing "double standards" and expressed disappointment that his remarks "lack understanding of the real situation and the fight against terrorism that Israel is facing after the Hamas attack on October 7".

Israel also condemned Hamas' actions, denouncing the group as terrorists "hiding behind children" and having held 100 hostages, including children, for 442 days.

An Israeli airstrike on December 20 killed 10 members of a family, including seven children, according to a report from the Gaza Civil Defense rescue agency. Israel said the attack targeted a Hamas military facility where militants were operating and threatening Israeli forces.

The Pope has frequently called for peace and dialogue since the conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted more than 14 months ago. However, in recent remarks he has condemned the "arrogance of the aggressor" in Palestine, in contrast to the Holy See's tradition of neutrality.

Ngoc Anh (according to AFP, France 24)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/israel-noi-giao-hoang-francis-ap-dung-tieu-chuan-kep-ve-cuoc-chien-o-gaza-post326990.html