Cardinal from the Vatican criticizes Hamas attacks and Israel’s response in Gaza.

Vatican Diplomats Criticize Violence in Gaza

On Monday, top officials from the Vatican condemned the October 7 attacks by Hamas, as well as Israel’s “ongoing massacre” in Gaza. They cautioned that even legal self-defense cannot justify the widespread destruction faced by a “largely unprotected population.”

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State and advisor to Pope Leo XIV, shared these views during an interview marking the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel.

Parolin expressed that Israel’s military response has escalated to an extent that far exceeds what would be considered proportional. This has transformed bustling neighborhoods in Gaza into deserted areas.

“Israel’s military efforts to neutralize Hamas militants overlook the reality that they are targeting unprotected populations. Many homes and buildings have been reduced to rubble,” he remarked to Vatican media.

He added, “Those under attack have the right to defend themselves. However, even such defenses must adhere to proportionality.”

According to health officials in Gaza, over 67,000 deaths have been reported due to Israeli military activities, as noted by Reuters.

This statement from Parolin represents a significant stance for the Church and reflects a stronger voice from the Vatican under Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis in May.

Parolin also addressed the inaction of the international community, emphasizing the lack of effectiveness in stopping the ongoing violence. “It’s unfortunate that in many cases, where the global community has the potential to influence outcomes, it has failed to act to halt this massacre,” he stated.

He reiterated the need for the international community to honor its obligations to uphold humanitarian laws, protect civilians, and prevent collective punishment. “We need to ask ourselves about the morality of arms trading with those involved in this conflict,” he added.

Pope Leo XIV previously expressed sorrow and called for a ceasefire after an attack on Gaza’s only Catholic Church, attributing it to “stray ammunition” from Israeli forces.

Parolin’s remarks underscore increasing calls for more than mere expressions of concern, as humanitarian groups have identified Gaza’s deteriorating civil infrastructure. He stressed the significance of addressing the suffering on both sides, asserting that one side’s pain does not diminish that of the other.