October 7, 2025 | 08:29 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The highest-ranking diplomat of the Vatican sharply criticizes Israel's 'ongoing massacre' in Gaza in comments published on Monday. This constitutes one of the harshest criticisms of Israel's genocide in Gaza from a senior figure in the Catholic Church.
In an interview related to the second anniversary of Hamas's attack on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, and Israel's subsequent military offensive in Gaza, Cardinal Pietro Parolin called the Hamas attack 'inhumane and indefensible.' He also urged Hamas to release the remaining hostages.
Approximately 1,200 people died in the initial attack, although former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant admitted last February that some casualties were caused by Israel's own military actions. Hamas also holds 251 people, most of whom are Israeli soldiers.
However, as reported by Al Arabiya, Parolin, who serves as the Vatican's Secretary of State, stated, "Those who are attacked have a right to defend themselves, but even legitimate defense must respect the principle of proportionality."
"The war waged by the Israeli army to eliminate Hamas militants disregards the fact that it is targeting a largely defenseless population, already pushed to the brink, in an area where buildings and homes are reduced to rubble," he said.
"It is ... clear that the international community is, unfortunately, powerless and that the countries truly capable of exerting influence have so far failed to act to stop the ongoing massacre," Parolin told the Vatican media.
The Vatican, which maintains embassies in many capitals, typically uses careful language in handling conflicts, preferring to avoid extensive media coverage and operate behind the scenes.
However, Pope Leo XIV, elected in May after the death of Pope Francis, has increased criticism of Israel's "campaign" in Gaza. He has urged Israel to accept more aid and raised the issue of Gaza in his meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in September.
Parolin added, "It’s not enough to say that what is happening is unacceptable and then continue to allow it to happen. We must seriously ask ourselves about the legitimacy ... of continuing to supply weapons that are being used against civilians." However, he did not mention any specific country.
Israel's genocide in Gaza has claimed more than 67,200 lives, mostly Palestinian civilians, especially women and children.
Editor’s Choice: Which Companies Reap Profit from Israel's Genocide in Gaza?
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Which Companies Reap Profit from Israel's Genocide in Gaza?
1 jam lalu
These are some of the companies that have posted significant profit growth since the Gaza genocide escalated in October 2023.
Today's Top 3 News: Sweden Says Alleged Mistreatment of Greta Thunberg by Israeli Forces 'Very Serious'
1 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Israel Kills 10 Palestinians in Gaza Amid Ceasefire Talks with Hamas
4 jam lalu
Hamas and Israel's delegations on Monday, October 6, 2025, participated in indirect negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
Greta Thunberg Freed from Israeli Prison, Says Focus Should Be on Gaza Genocide
6 jam lalu
Greta Thunberg speaks publicly for the first time on Monday after being released from an Israeli prison
Two Years of Genocide in Gaza: Where Does Israel Get Its Weapons?
7 jam lalu
Anadolu on Tuesday reported on countries supplying Israel with weapons despite rising global outrage and genocide allegations.
Trump Urges Swift Progress in Gaza Peace Talks
22 jam lalu
US President Donald Trump urged negotiators to promptly produce results in the ongoing Gaza peace talks.
What Has Israel Achieved in 2 Years of War in Gaza?
22 jam lalu
The October 7 attack by Hamas shook Israel to its core. In response, Israel initiated a military campaign in Gaza.
Hamas, Israel Prepare for Ceasefire Talks
1 hari lalu
Hamas and Israel are preparing to begin negotiations in Egypt to finalize a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages.
Hollow Rhetoric in Response to the Gaza Genocide
1 hari lalu
Prabowo's speech at the United Nations did not touch on the roots of the problems in Gaza.
Sweden Says Alleged Mistreatment of Greta Thunberg by Israeli Forces 'Very Serious'
1 hari lalu
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard has stated that the reports claiming climate activist Greta Thunberg was mistreated are very serious
