Pope Francis condemns killing of civillians at Gaza church

Pope Francis has said that Israel was using "terrorism" tactics in Gaza, condemning the reported killing by the Israeli military of two Christian women.

The Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem said an Israeli "sniper" killed the two women, Nahida Khalil Anton and her daughter Samar, while they were walking to a convent in the compound of the Holy Family Parish.

"I continue to receive very grave and painful news from Gaza," said Francis.

"Unarmed civilians are the objects of bombings and shootings. And this happened even inside the Holy Family parish complex, where there are no terrorists, but families, children, people who are sick or disabled, nuns."

"Some would say 'It is war. It is terrorism.' Yes, it is war. It is terrorism," he added.

POPE FRANCIS CALLS OUT ISRAEL FOR TERRORISM

This is related to Israel attacking the Catholic Parish in Gaza, where 2 Christians were assassinated

Pope Francis said “IT IS TERRORISM” pic.twitter.com/HPPemkyDxH

— Sulaiman Ahmed (@ShaykhSulaiman) December 17, 2023

An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the incident was being reviewed.

The pope's words mark the second time in less than a month that he used the word "terrorism" while referring to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

"This is what wars do. But here we have gone beyond wars. This is not war. This is terrorism," he said, following meetings with Israeli relatives of hostages held by Hamas and with Palestinians who have family in Gaza.