The Palestine Movement Hamas reacted to the death of Pope Francis, saying that he was “a consistent advocate for the legitimate rights of the Palestinean people, especially through his unwavering conviction and the works of genocide against the people of Gaza.”
The leader of the Catholic Church passed away in 88. years, after spending more than a month in the hospital at the beginning of the year.
Papa Franjo consistently spoke about the Humanitarian crisis in Gaza – as well as crises throughout the Middle East and the world – inviting dialogue and responsibility.
His death means a loss of prominent personality that advocated for peace and human dignity, and which many Palestinians have valued, despite the fact that most of the Muslims are, not Christians.
“On several occasions, he expressed opposition to aggression and wars around the world, and was among the prominent religious votes that condemned the war crimes and the works of genocide that is performed over our Palestinian people in the Gaza belt,” Hamas said.
Just before death, in the Easter message, Pope wrote: “The growing wave of anti-Semitism is worrying. Nevertheless, I think of the Christian community, where a terrible conflict still causes death and destruction and creates a dramatic and mournful humanitarian situation,” it is published on the Vatican Web site.
In November 2024, Pope Francis called for the Investigation of Genocide Charges in Gaza – which was a rare and sharp form of criticism from the Vatican, who caused reactions to Israel.
“According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of genocide. It should be carefully investigated to determine whether the technical definition formulated by lawyers and international bodies prepared for Jubilee 2025.
Papa Franjo and before the current war had close relations with Palestinians. During the 2014 visit year, he stopped and prayed at the part of the wall that Israel built to prevent the entry of Palestinian attackers – a picture that became an icon among Palestinian Christians.
Even during the hospital stay, he allegedly called Christian leaders in Gaza to support them and condemn “children who are committed, bombing schools and hospitals.”
And while a perhaps positioned by Hamas Bassem Naim said: “He was one of the most prominent advocates of the Palestinian Rights, and in the last months of the Palestinean people in Gaza are well known. The loss of such a significant and dedicated personality will create a gap that is difficult to fill.”
Many Palestinians say they have lost a significant advocate, while the war in Gaza continues to last without hinting of truce or gap release, because Hamas and Israel reject the conditions for the agreement.
(Vijesti.ba)
