Pope Leo is facing mounting pressure to take direct action in Gaza amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. Critics are urging the pontiff to lead an aid mission to the besieged enclave, following Israeli air strikes and amid rising hunger and starvation among civilians.
The push for action comes after Pope Leo expressed sorrow over an Israeli strike that killed three Christians at a church in Gaza City last week. The Pope’s statement was met with mixed reactions, with some welcoming his gesture but others criticizing him for stopping short of taking further action.
Critics argue that the Pope should be more vocal and take concrete steps to address the crisis. “Words, no matter how heartfelt, will not save a single starving child,” one user wrote on social media. The UN has warned that families in Gaza are enduring “catastrophic hunger”, with children dying before help can reach them.
The Israeli military campaign and blockade, which have been ongoing since October 2023, have devastated the Gaza Strip. Humanitarian organizations have described the situation as a genocide. With rising infant deaths caused by starvation, the international community is calling on Pope Leo to take action.
Human rights experts point out that the Pope’s unique status allows him to access areas where others cannot, and that he has the ability to “dare the Israelis to block him” if he were to visit Gaza.
Source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/trending/calls-mount-pope-leo-visit-gaza-and-back-safe-aid-entry