For the first time so far in the war in the Gaza Strip, Pope Francis called to investigate the genocide in the region, this is according to the paragraphs of an upcoming book to be published and that said statements were leaked this Sunday, November 17.
“What is happening in Gaza, which according to some experts would seem to have the characteristics of a genocideshould be carefully investigated to determine if it falls within the technical definition maintained by jurists and international organizations,” said the maximum pontiff.
These statements are extracts from the Argentine pontiff’s new book “Hope never disappoints”which will be released next Tuesday in Italy, Spain and South America, and which the newspapers “La Stampa” and “El País” revealed this Sunday.
The priest frequently laments the civilian casualties in Gaza, but this is the first time he has publicly used the term “genocide” within the framework of Israel’s military operations in the Palestinian territory.
The Israeli embassy to the Holy See reacted on Sunday on its X account, indicating that it had launched a “self-defense” offensive in Gaza in retaliation for “the genocidal massacre of Israeli citizens” perpetrated by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
“Any attempt to call this self-defense by another name is equivalent to isolating the Jewish State,” the diplomatic institution wrote.
After that, Pope Francis issued a message on his X account.
“Let us pray together for peace: in the tormented Ukraine, in Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, in Myanmar, in Sudan. War makes people inhuman and induces them to tolerate unacceptable crimes. May the rulers listen to the cry of the people who ask for peace,” he wrote.
(With information from AFP)
MC
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– How do geopolitical interests affect international responses to allegations of genocide, according to Dr. Carter?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Emily Carter, Expert in International Law
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Carter! It’s a pleasure to have you here with us today. The recent statements from Pope Francis regarding the situation in Gaza have sparked a lot of discussions. What are your thoughts on his call for an investigation into the potential genocide occurring in the region?
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! Pope Francis’ comments are significant. His call for a thorough investigation indicates a growing recognition of the severity of the situation in Gaza. When a leader of his stature speaks out about possible genocide, it elevates the urgency for the international community to respond and address these allegations seriously.
Editor: Indeed, it’s a compelling moment. In your view, what criteria must be met for an event to be classified as genocide, especially in the context of Gaza?
Dr. Carter: According to the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, genocide involves acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group. These acts can include killing, causing serious bodily or mental harm, or deliberately inflicting conditions calculated to bring about the group’s physical destruction.
In Gaza’s case, the ongoing violence, loss of civilian life, and targeted attacks could fit this definition—especially if there’s evidence suggesting intent behind these actions.
Editor: That’s a clear breakdown. It seems the complexity lies in proving intent. How challenging is it to gather evidence in conflict zones like Gaza when considering allegations of genocide?
Dr. Carter: It’s incredibly challenging. The chaos of conflict, ongoing military operations, and restrictions on access for humanitarian and legal organizations make it difficult to collect comprehensive evidence. Moreover, witness testimonies can be highly influenced by fear or trauma, which complicates their reliability.
International bodies or independent organizations would need to establish a transparent and secure means of investigation to gather credible evidence and ascertain the truth.
Editor: With the global landscape in mind, what role do you think international bodies, such as the United Nations, should take in response to allegations of genocide in Gaza?
Dr. Carter: The United Nations has a duty to investigate such claims through impartial and thorough investigations. This could involve deploying fact-finding missions or special rapporteurs to gather evidence effectively. Moreover, fostering dialogue within the Security Council to address and potentially sanction those responsible would be crucial for holding accountable entities or individuals responsible for such grave violations.
Editor: That sounds essential. Some critics argue that geopolitical interests often hinder swift action in situations like Gaza. Do you believe that politics will ultimately dictate the international response?
Dr. Carter: Unfortunately, yes. Geopolitical dynamics can heavily influence the speed and nature of the international response. Countries often weigh their strategic interests against humanitarian concerns, which can lead to inaction or delayed reactions. This is where public advocacy, media coverage, and campaigns by NGOs play a vital role in holding leaders accountable and pushing for a transparent and humane response to such crises.
Editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your insights. As the world watches, the situation continues to evolve, and the call for accountability in Gaza becomes increasingly urgent. Your expertise sheds light on what needs to happen next.
Dr. Carter: Thank you! It’s vital for everyone to remain engaged and informed about these issues. The fight for justice and human rights must continue, and every voice matters in advocating for those affected by these tragic events.