It’s the first time that Francis has openly urged for an investigation of genocide allegations over Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip. In September, he said Israel’s attacks in Gaza and Lebanon have been “immoral” and disproportionate , and that its military has gone beyond the rules of war.

ROME, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Pope Francis has suggested the global community should study whether Israel's military campaign in Gaza constitutes a genocide of the Palestinian people, in some of his most explicit criticism yet of Israel's conduct in its year-long war.

In a book written ahead of the Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis called for an investigation into the devastating situation in Gaza.

Israel's destruction of vital water, sanitation, and food systems has created a "lethal mix of crises," the report said.

A Special Committee of the United Nations Office of the High Commission on Human Rights has issued a new report on Israeli actions in Gaza concluding that they fit the profile of genocide. The report says,