War victims must not be denied humanity, Pope says

Pope Francis has said that people killed in conflicts such as Gaza and Ukraine should not be considered “collateral damage”, as he condemned war crimes.

“The distinction between military and civil objectives is no longer respected,” the Pope, 87, said in his New Year address to diplomats at the Vatican on Monday.

“There is no conflict that does not end up in some way indiscriminately striking the civilian population.

“The events in Ukraine and Gaza are clear proof of this.

“We must not forget that grave violations of international humanitarian law are war crimes.”

Pope Francis’s speech was dominated by calls for an end to conflicts.

People “need to realise more clearly that civilian victims are not ‘collateral damage’ but men and women, with names and surnames, who lose their lives”, he said.

“Were we to be able to look each of them in the eye, call them by name, and learn something of their personal history, we would see war for what it is – nothing other than an immense tragedy,” the Pope said.

He again condemned the October 7 attack by Hamas militants, which resulted in about 1,200 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians.

The Palestinian group, considered a terrorist organisation by the US and EU, also took about 240 hostages, 132 of whom remain captive, Israel said.

At least 24 are believed to have been killed.

“I renew my condemnation of this act and of every instance of terrorism and extremism,” the Pope said.

Israel has responded since October 7 with relentless bombardment of Gaza and a ground invasion that have killed more than 23,000 people, most of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

The pontiff said Israel’s response “has caused an exceptionally grave humanitarian crisis and inconceivable suffering”.

“To all the parties involved, I renew my appeal for a ceasefire on every front … and the immediate liberation of all the hostages held in Gaza,” he said.

“I ask that the Palestinian people receive humanitarian aid, and that hospitals, schools and places of worship receive all necessary protection.”

Most of Gaza’s population has been displaced, according to the UN, leaving them in overcrowded shelters or tents in the winter cold.

The World Health Organisation has warned of the risk of famine and disease.

On Sunday, the UN reported “sickening scenes” at Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Hospital, with “people of all ages being treated on bloodstreaked floors and in chaotic corridors”.