In a yearly address to diplomats delivered on his behalf by an aide, Francis appeared to reference deaths caused by winter cold in Gaza, where there is almost no electricity.

Pope Francis on Thursday stepped up his recent criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, calling the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave “very serious and

Pope Francis condemned Israel's military campaign in Gaza on Thursday, calling the humanitarian crisis "very serious and shameful." "We cannot in any way accept the bombing of civilians," the pope said in an address delivered on his behalf by an aide.

The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250. Some 100 hostages are still inside Gaza. Israeli authorities believe at least a third of them were killed in the initial attack or have died in captivity.

Gaza’s Health Ministry says the death toll from the Israel-Hamas war has climbed above 46,000 DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — More than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war , Gaza’s Health Ministry said Thursday,