The pope recently gave vent once again to his anti-Israel animus: “Pope Doubles Down on Criticism of Israel,” JNS, December 22, 2024:
The Pope, as leader of the 1.4-billion-member Roman Catholic Church, is usually careful about taking sides in conflicts, but he has recently been more outspoken about Israel’s military campaign against Palestinian terrorist group Hamas.
In book excerpts published last month, the pontiff said some international experts said that “what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide.”…
No, those “international experts” (Francesca Albanese? Antonio Guterres?) to whom the Pope alludes as suggesting that Israel may have committed genocide are wrong. What is happening in Gaza is not genocide, but rather, an exemplary model of how to conduct urban warfare while minimizing civilian casualties. Consider how few civilians have died in Gaza as a result of the war. Hamas has claimed that 45,000 people have been killed in Gaza to date; it does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The IDF says it has killed 20,000 Hamas terrorists. In addition, before the war there were on average 800 non-combat-related deaths in Gaza each month from diseases and accidents.
Assuming that average monthly number remains the same, over the 14 months of war in Gaza, 11,200 deaths were attributable to diseases and accidents. When we subtract from the total number of deaths (45,000), both those of terrorists (20,000) and those that were non-combat related (11,200), we arrive at a figure of 13,800 civilian deaths. That means the civilian-to-combatant ratio of deaths in Gaza s 13,800: 20,000, or roughly 7:10. To put this figure into perspective, consider that the UN has said that in all the wars fought since 1945, the civilian-to-combatant ratio has been 9:1. In Afghanistan the Americans brought that ratio down to 4:1, and in Iraq, to 3:1. But no army in the history of warfare has come close to the roughly 7:10 ratio achieved by the IDF in Gaza. Who will let the pope know about this remarkable achievement by the IDF?
The pope wants to stretch the meaning of the word “genocide” to apply to conflicts where a large number of civilians have been killed, even if the requisite “intent to commit genocide” is absent. But with fewer than 14,000 combat-related civilian deaths in Gaza, can that war against the Hamas terrorists really be called a “genocide”?
Now the pope has taken to accusing Israel of “cruelty” for its actions in Gaza, where the IDF is fighting the terror group Hamas, that deliberately embeds its combatants and its weapons in civilian areas and. buildings, attempting to use its own civilians as human shields.
“And with pain, I think of Gaza, of so much cruelty, of the children being machine-gunned, of the bombings of schools and hospitals. What cruelty,” the pontiff said after a prayer service….
“So much cruelty”? There’s cruelty, all right, in Gaza, but it is the cruelty of Hamas, that deliberately embeds itself among civilians, including children, so as to use them as shields to ward off attacks by the IDF. The IDF never purposely machine-guns children. It warns civilians, including children, away from sites it is about to target, but what more can it do except hope that its warnings are taken to heart? Israeli pilots are required to abort missions if they detect the presence of too many civilians at or near a site; about half of all missions are called off for that reason.
When the pope accuses Israel of bombing “schools and hospitals,” he is in error. Israel bombs “school buildings” that are no longer schools, but rather, places to hide fighters, to store weapons, to place rocket launchers. When the IAF strikes a hospital building, it aims only at the part of that structure where Hamas has taken over, and uses for its fighters, its weapons, its command-and-control centers. The Pope apparently is incapable of making that distinction.
Israel’s foreign ministry was quick to respond to the Pope’s grotesque charges:
In response to the Pope’s statement today: Cruelty is terrorists hiding behind children while trying to murder Israeli children,” the Israeli Foreign Ministry stated. “Cruelty is holding 100 hostages for 442 days, including a baby and children, by terrorists and abusing them.”
Francis “unfortunately” opted “to ignore all of this, as well as the fact that Israel’s actions have targeted terrorists who used children as human shields,” the Israeli government said.
“The Pope’s remarks are particularly disappointing as they are disconnected from the true and factual context of Israel’s fight against jihadist terrorism—a multi-front war that was forced upon it starting on Oct. 7,” the Foreign Ministry stated.
“The death of any innocent person in a war is a tragedy. Israel makes extraordinary efforts to prevent harm to innocents, while Hamas makes extraordinary efforts to increase harm to Palestinian civilians,” it added.
“The blame should be directed solely at the terrorists, not at the democracy defending itself against them. Enough with the double standards and the singling out of the Jewish state and its people.”
Earlier this month, a nativity scene displayed in Vatican City featured the infant Jesus clad in a keffiyeh. After immediate backlash, from Christian and some Jewish groups, it was removed.
At least the Vatican yielded to the outrage of those demanding that the infant Jesus on display not be clad in a keffiyeh, and removed the offending crèche from public view. But what about the keffiyeh that we can all detect Pope Francis has been wearing — in spirit — since October 7, 2023? When will that be removed?
somehistory says
Why does anyone expect this creature to tell the Truth about anything?
He claims that he can make doors “holy” by opening them. He allows himself to be addressed as “holy father” even though Jesus Christ commanded that Christians not call anyone….**anyone**…”your father on earth” because Christians have a Genuine Holy Father in heaven.
Jesus even replied to one man,
“Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone..”
Why should anyone accept anything the false shepherd, rotten tree, wolf in sheep’s clothing says as being *right* when he demands that Christians welcome those people who are ready, and more than willing, to murder them, rape them, rob from them, and then lie and blame the Christians who tell the Truth about islam for all of the evil atrocities?
As referenced above, this creature put a scarf on the representation of Jesus as a baby, which, in reality represents mozlum terrorists who claim the Land of Israel as their own.
Jesus was born to a Jew, raised to abide by the Law of Moses, and obeyed that Law perfectly until He abolished the Law, replacing it with the “Law of Love.”
And yet, this creature who pretends to be one who follows Christ, pretends that he sits in the seat of Peter (also a Jew) has such animosity toward the Jews in Israel.
This evil creature is more in line with the thinking and acting of mozlums than the Christians he supposedly leads.
Tim gallagher says
The Jewish people in Israel are fighting for survival. The Muslims would treat all the Jewish people in the totally inhuman way that they treated those Israelis on october7. I think that we might have been cruel to some Germans back in world war ii when trying to defeat the Nazis. I think that Muslim countries should say to the Palestinians, ok, this bullshit has gone on long enough, leave that shit hole Palestine behind and come and live a peaceful life in Muslim countries. Of course, Muslims won’t do that because are too dumb and because they don’t give a damn about the Palestinians and want this bullshit to go on forever. Israel has to be an unmoveable object. They have no choice. The insane level of hate for Jews that Muslims have is the cause of that.
somehistory says
Tim, things are done in war to innocent people who do not deserve what happens to them.
I believe that the mozlum nations **use** the so-called palestinains as a weapon. If they could defeat Israel and take over the Land, killing all of the Jews, the mozlums everywhere would be passing out candy in celebration. They may already have plans in place for cutting up the pie so they each get a piece; or maybe each one is planning to be in charge, taking it from the palestinains.
It’s like the Old West when some gunslinger or gang murdered the marshal or sheriff and took over the town. Other gunslingers would move into the town and take what they could as spoil.
This is the way of criminal gangs ;and mozlum nations are ruled by criminal gangs.
Tim gallagher says
I agree, somehistory the of Jews that all Moslems seem to possess means they would handing out candy if Israel ever lost this ongoing war and was destroyed. There is way to deal peacefully with the Moslems. I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas.
somehistory says
Thank you, Tim. I spent part of the day with my youngest daughter, my son and his two little girls. His wife and her parents were there too, but most of my time was with my part, while they were in the kitchen cooking and visiting. Actually, the fil was with us in the living room where we read some books and the girls played with new toys.
It was a very pleasant time, and fun was had by all.
I hope your day was as pleasant.
Tim gallagher says
Sounds like it was a pleasant. Christmas, somehistory. I had a good Christmas day. We usually go to one of my sister’s place, the one who has the best house, near the beautiful Sydney Harbour. This year we went to my nephew’s place mainly because he and his wife have a four month baby boy. The baby seems incredibly happy, smiling all the time. I met a couple of new people both of whom were extremely friendly and pleasant so it was a good get together.
somehistory says
That sounds really nice, Tim. Babies and little kids are where the fun is, for sure. I’m glad you had a good day in pleasant company, and lovely setting.
gravenimage says
Tim and Somethistory, glad to hear that you both had a great Christmas!
Tim gallagher says
Thanks, gravenimage. I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas as well.
Walter Sieruk says
it needs to be reiterated that Pope Francis is exposing his own lack of understanding of the reality of the this current war in the Middle East of Israel versus Hamas, of which Hamas started on October 7th 2023.
For the real cruelty is not done by the solders of that Israel Defense Force but committed by the jihadists of Hamas.
As explained in the newspaper The Epoch Times April 3-6, 2024, A14 the reader in informed about “Civilian Casualties.” For it reads, “Israel risks the lives of its soldiers to prevent civilians deaths. Hamas risks the lives of civilians to prevent terrorist’s death. Israel considers it a failure, and Hamas considers it a globally advantageous when civilians die than its soldiers.”
The contrast between Israel and Hamas is vast and outstanding.
gravenimage says
Hear, hear, Walter–all important points.
James Lincoln says
An excellent fact-based post, Walter.
Lily Darcey says
This Pope is nothing more than a socialist plant from a socialist country. He is one of many anti Christ Satan’s minions.
࿗Infidel࿘ says
That country has done a remarkable job in turning around. I hope President Millei embraces Judaism fully and loosens Pope Francis’ influence on his country.
joanofark06 says
All so true, and is the reason, I see him as the third part of Satan’s Trinity, as there is Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet, which the latter being what religious figure Satan will need by his side. Someone who is worshipped and popular throughout the whole world, AND as evil as he is, too? Perfect for Satan’s needs.
This “pope” has been against Jesus and God since the day he came in. If you noticed, the line of popes has been getting eviler and eviler, as each one comes on in office? I can’t see how another one could be even worse! Which is one more reason, that I see how the 7 year Tribulation in on the horizon.
Within the next four years, and I’ve explained the why and how it will happen, many times on here, and elsewhere. I can explain how it comes with the signing of a 7 year peace contract/treaty, between Israel and Palestine, once again, details on request. A signing announced throughout the whole world, where everyone will be so amazed about, and the world news bringing it to everyone in the world! It can be all laid out simply, with Trump having the very beginning, and many rich and powerful Middle Eastern leaders, ending it, by putting the demands on the Palestinian leader, to sign, so that he has no choice in the matter. He has to sign the 7 year peace deal! That begins the 7 year Trib.!
Walter Sieruk says
With this jihad watch jihad article is really should be restated that this bogus claim of Pope Francis Israeli cruelty in Gaza, the reality is that the actual , real, cruelty are committed, many times over, by the Jihadists of Hamas in their horrendous evil goal committing against genocide of the Jewish people that’s the goal of Hamas and not of those in power in the State of Israel regarding the “Palestine” people.
About innocent those children who died in Gaza because the jihadists Hamas hiding among places with children. Also this current war that Hamas started this with Israel on October 7th when it launched its brutal vicious and murderous and even vile and heinous jihadist attacks on the peaceful Jewish citizens of the State of Israel.
Those innocent children who died in Gaza because of Israel’s air force was not the intention of the government and military officials of Israel.
Those youngster who had been killed had died because those despicable jihadists of Hamas, because they are so very callous and cruel that they deliberately stationed their jihad strategy command and weapon centers at buildings that have children in and around those places.
Therefore the bloodguilt for the death of those children of Gaza on the wicked hands of the Hamas jihadists.
nicholas tesdorf says
This Pope Francis is a socialist anti-semitic operative, he is the long-awaited anti-Pope.
Barb says
Mary of Fatima warned that the evil in the world would infiltrate the church. They would be the evil to try and destroy the church and pull people away from GOD.
For decades the communists have worked their way into the higher archie to establish conduct that goes against what GOD wants.
gravenimage says
Why the Pope is Wrong About Israel
……………………………………
Fine piece from Hugh Fitzgerald.
Samalaga Elika says
This Unholy man will one day stand before the Righteous Judge and Holy Father in Heaven.
Troybeam says
God is watching. He is always watching. Perhaps the Catholic Church will do something about this Pope that follows Satan’s will and replace him before he dies as usually waits till death to replace, either way this Pope is wrong 100% in everything he does.
James Lincoln says
Pope Francis is certainly the worst Pope in recent history.
Much worse than having no Pope at all…
Kevin Kraemer says
The pope of the catholic church is apostate. He is dragging all the unsuspecting ignorant catholics along with him. I suppose he either forgot or had never read that Israel is the apple of GOD’s eye. Woe to those who attack Israel. GOD will hold you accountable.
Andrew Blackadder says
If that wee Popey fellow wants to know what genocide looks like then he need only look over at Nigeria and see what muslims are doing to his Christian flock every bloody day.
What a stupid stupid wee man he is.
Mike says
This Pope should stop smoking dope! Is dope legal in the Vatican? If it’s not, someone should tell him that the Vatican is not Canada, where Trudopey legalized cannibis!
joanofark06 says
Speaking of, and let me first say, that I have to forgive Trump for this, that brought the leader of Nigeria over here to the White House lawn, and I’m sure I can bring the Youtube video of it, up to still see. And Trump gushed praises on this leader, whose name is, or was, since he’s not the leader over there anymore, Buhari.
There were many reporters all there, and Trump as so happy to have him there, and announced that happily, along with telling everyone, how many billions of dollars that he was sending to Nigeria every years, and then started saying how much technology was being built, and roads were being made, and on and on and on, Trump went.
It made me almost physically sick, but it was a speech to be remember, because at the end he mentioned that Buhari could maybe lower the amount of Christians being killed over there, as a question, that I remember what Buhari mumbled before he started speaking, which I couldn’t listen to anymore, at that point.
But of course, way before Buhari came to the White House lawn, and Trump with all his praises to the man, and years after, many Christians were murdered. I didn’t put any timeframe on my request to google, but I typed in “How many Christians have been killed in Nigeria” in my browser’s search box, and the number was jaw dropping.
I could never understand why our country couldn’t take any in, but anyway, I was furious for that, and the day he celebrated the muslims holiday of Iftar, IN the White House, but that’s all I wanna say about that.
Haven’t seen many articles on this website about the Christian killings over there, so much any more, since Buhari left, but I’ll never forget what Trump said to him, on that beautiful day, on the White House, that day. You just happened to mention the subject, and it reminded me of how awful Trump’s speech was, and how I have to forgive him, because he’s going to soon be God’s servant, in just making a very small beginning of the 7 year Tribulation period. I can tell you the details on request. I’ll only tell you this now, that once he’s in office, officially, we’ll have within 4 years, to be in the start of it. Scary, I know….but look at how old this pope is too, and how old the Palestinian leader is too…we don’t have long.