VATICAN CITY, Italy
Pope Francis on Monday condemned "war crimes" perpetrated against civilians in conflicts such as in Gaza and Ukraine, and said those killed should not be considered "collateral damage".
"The distinction between
military and civil objectives is no longer respected," the 87-year-old
pontiff said in his New Year's address to diplomats at the Vatican.
"There is no conflict
that does not end up in some way indiscriminately striking the civilian
population. The events in Ukraine and Gaza are clear proof of this," he
added.
"We must not forget that
grave violations of international humanitarian law are war crimes", he
continued, in a speech dominated by calls for an end to conflicts around the
world.
Francis said people "need
to realise more clearly that civilian victims are not 'collateral damage' but
men and woman, with names and surnames, who lose their lives."
"Were we to be able to
look each of them in the eye, call them by name, and learn something of their
personal history, we would see war for what it is -- nothing other than an
immense tragedy," he said.
Francis once again condemned
the October 7 attack by Hamas militants, which resulted in about 1,140 deaths
in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official
Israeli figures.
The Palestinian group,
considered a "terrorist" organisation by the United States and
European Union, also took around 250 hostages, 132 of whom remain captive,
Israel says. At least 24 are believed to have been killed.
"I renew my condemnation
of this act and of every instance of terrorism and extremism," the pope
said.
Israel has responded since
October 7 with relentless bombardment of Gaza and a ground invasion that have
killed at least 22,835 people, most of them women and children, according to
the Gaza health ministry.
The pontiff said Israel's
"strong" military response "has caused an exceptionally grave
humanitarian crisis and inconceivable suffering".
"To all the parties
involved, I renew my appeal for a ceasefire on every front... and the immediate
liberation of all the hostages held in Gaza," Francis said.
"I ask that the
Palestinian people receive humanitarian aid, and that hospitals, schools and
places of worship receive all necessary protection," he added.
Most of Gaza's population has
been displaced, according to the United Nations, leaving them in overcrowded
shelters or tents in the winter cold.
The World Health Organization
has warned of the risk of famine and disease, with people struggling to find
food, safe water, fuel and medicine.
On Sunday, the UN reported
"sickening scenes" at Al-Aqsa hospital, one of the only ones in Gaza
that is still partly functioning, with "people of all ages being treated
on blood-streaked floors and in chaotic corridors".
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