"A pope cannot divide the world into children and stepchildren and must denounce the sufferings of all," he said. "This is exactly what the Pope does not do."
The pope also complained, "Yesterday they (Israel) did not allow the Patriarch (of Jerusalem) into Gaza as promised.”
In excerpts published on Sunday from a new forthcoming book, the pontiff said some international experts say "what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide."
He called for the end of the conflict in Palestine and Israel to cease, the end of violence, and the end of hatred.
Francis has repeatedly deplored the death and destruction in the Gaza war.
An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the incident was still under review and had no immediate comment on the pope's words.
Italian rabbis questioned the worth of "decades of Jewish-Christian dialog" if when Jews are attacked the Vatican responds with "diplomatic acrobatics."
The hostages, captured by Hamas on October 7th, 2023, are reported to be in dire conditions, with fears of torture and urgent medical needs.
Pope Francis said he had been greatly saddened by the news of both Palestinians and Israelis that have been killed over the past week.
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