Pope Condemns Gaza Violence as ‘Barbarity’

Pope Leo XIV has condemned the violence in Gaza, calling it “barbarity” and urging an immediate end to the conflict. At least 85 Palestinians have been killed while queuing for food, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The UN World Food Programme described the scene as a “massive crowd of hungry civilians” who came under gunfire shortly after entering Gaza.

The Israeli military claimed that soldiers shot at a gathering of thousands of Palestinians in northern Gaza, but reported numbers from officials in Gaza are higher than its initial investigation found. Israel has also issued evacuation orders for areas in central Gaza, where international organisations are distributing aid.

Pope Leo XIV appealed to the international community to respect humanitarian law and protect civilians. He spoke out against the Israeli strike on Gaza’s only Catholic church, which killed three people and injured 10. The pope called for an end to the ongoing military attacks against civilian populations and places of worship in Gaza.

The UN agency Unrwa warned that civilians are being “starved” by Israel’s blockade, and said that babies were dying from severe acute malnutrition. Israel has banned cooperation with Unrwa due to allegations of Hamas infiltration, but an independent review found no evidence.

As the conflict continues, the Israeli military has issued evacuation orders in areas packed with displaced Palestinians, sparking alarm among families who fear their relatives are being held hostage.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/20/pope-condemns-barbarity-of-israel-war-gaza