Pope Francis denounces "cruelty" of Israeli strikes on Gaza civilians

Pope Francis has consistently condemned Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, describing them as "cruelty" and "not war". Specifically, he has criticized an Israeli airstrike that killed seven children from one family, labeling it as an act of "cruelty" in his Christmas address. However, Israel's Foreign Ministry has criticized the Pope's remarks, accusing him of showing double standards. In response, Pope Francis has doubled down on his condemnation of Israel's military actions in Gaza.