Pope Leo XIV Denounces Gaza War Violence as Deaths Rise Over Aid Access
Pope Leo XIV has described the war in Gaza as an act of "barbarity" and criticized the "indiscriminate use of force" after health officials reported that at least 73 Palestinians were killed while waiting for food.
According to authorities in Gaza, the fatalities occurred in multiple locations, with most taking place in the north. Of the dead, 67 were reportedly shot while at a gathering point for aid trucks arriving from Israel via the Zikim crossing. No immediate statement was issued by the Israeli military in response.
Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of al-Shifa hospital, confirmed that 48 people had been killed and 150 wounded near the Zikim crossing after clashes broke out around aid convoys. It remains unclear whether Israeli forces, armed groups, or both were responsible for the casualties.
Earlier, the pope had urged "an immediate end to the barbarity of the war" during his Angelus address at Castel Gandolfo, his residence near Rome. He also expressed distress over an Israeli strike that hit Gaza’s sole Catholic church last week, killing three and wounding 10, including the parish priest—a personal acquaintance of the late Pope Francis.
Israel has stated its regret over the church incident, where about 600 displaced people, mainly children and individuals with disabilities, were sheltering. An investigation has been opened.
"The attack adds to the ongoing pattern of military actions targeting civilians and religious sites," the pope said. "The international community must uphold humanitarian law, protect civilians, and prevent collective punishment, indiscriminate violence, and forced displacement."
Reports indicate that over a million children in Gaza are facing extreme food shortages, with UN officials warning of severe malnutrition among infants. While aid supplies, including months' worth of food, remain stored in warehouses near Gaza, access restrictions persist.
Israel has suspended cooperation with the main UN aid body in Gaza and the West Bank, alleging ties between its staff and armed groups. However, investigators found insufficient proof to support these claims. The agency had been pivotal in delivering aid and essential services like healthcare and education in the region.
Since May, aid distribution has primarily been managed by the US and Israel.
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