Israel criticized Pope Francis on Saturday, accusing him of bias and "double standards" after he condemned the bombing of children in Gaza following an airstrike that killed seven children from one family, Barrons reported.
"The Pope's remarks are particularly disappointing as they are disconnected from the true and factual context of Israel's fight against jihadist terrorism — a multi-front war that was forced upon it starting on October 7," Israel's Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding, "enough with the double standards and the singling out of the Jewish state and its people."
The Pope commented during a meeting with Holy See's government members, highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Referring to the plight of children and the recent bombing, he said, "Yesterday, they did not allow the Patriarch (of Jerusalem) into Gaza as promised. Yesterday, children were bombed. This is cruelty; this is not war. I want to say it because it touches my heart."
Israel responded by emphasizing the context of its military actions in Gaza, arguing that Hamas militants use civilians as human shields.
"Cruelty is terrorists hiding behind children while trying to murder Israeli children; cruelty is holding 100 hostages for 442 days, including a baby and children, by terrorists and abusing them," Israel's Foreign Ministry said, referring to the October 7 attack by Hamas militants that initiated the current conflict.
The ongoing war in Gaza has drawn widespread international attention and condemnation, with both sides accused of escalating violence that disproportionately impacts civilians. Israel insists its actions are part of a broader struggle against what it describes as "jihadist terrorism."
"The death of any innocent person in a war is a tragedy. Israel makes extraordinary efforts to prevent harm to innocents, while Hamas makes extraordinary efforts to increase harm to Palestinian civilians," the Israeli Foreign Ministry said.
"The blame should be directed solely at the terrorists, not at the democracy defending itself against them. Enough with the double standards and the singling out of the Jewish state and its people.
"Unfortunately, the Pope has chosen to ignore all of this," it added.
Information from Agence France-Presse (AFP) was used in this story.