Pope Francis said Saturday that Israel’s recent airstrikes in Gaza go beyond warfare and constitute “cruelty.”

Israel allows clerics to enter Gaza and 'works in cooperation with the Christian community to make it easier for the Christian population that remains in the Gaza Strip – including coordinating its removal from the Gaza Strip to a third country,' a statement from the military said

This is cruelty, this is not war. I want to say it because it touches my heart, says Pope

VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis on Saturday (21 Dec) again condemned Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, a day after an Israeli government minister publicly denounced the pontiff for suggesting that the global community should study whether the military offensive there constitutes a genocide of the Palestinian people.

Pope Francis condemns Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, sparking controversy over genocide comments and entry denial for Catholic bishop.

Minister Amichai Chikli accused the pontiff of perpetuating a “dangerous blood libel” against Israel and distorting history.

Israel accused Pope Francis of "double standards" Saturday after he condemned the bombing of children in Gaza as "cruelty" following an air strike that killed seven children from one family.