Pope Francis has called for an investigation into whether the ‘Israeli’ occupation attacks which have been ongoing for over a year on the Gaza Strip constitute genocide, according to excerpts from an upcoming book.

In his forthcoming book “Hope Never Disappoints. Pilgrims Towards a Better World,” Pope Francis has for the first time addressed the fact that the actions of Israeli occupation forces in Gaza may constitute genocide.

In the excerpts, published by Italian daily La Stampa, the Pope said, “We should investigate carefully to assess whether this fits into the technical definition [of genocide] formulated by international jurists and organizations.” 

Recently, a United Nations special committee assessed “Israel’s” war on Gaza as consistent with genocidal characteristics, citing evidence of “using starvation as a method of war.”