jordan pulse -

Pope Francis strongly condemned Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, labeling them "brutality" and "not war," after a weekend of intensified violence that killed at least 25 Palestinians.

In his annual Christmas address, the Pope expressed distress over Friday's airstrikes, stating, "Yesterday, children were bombed... This is brutality. This is not war; it touches the heart."

The Pope's remarks follow Israeli Minister Amihai Shikli's criticism of Francis' recent suggestions that the Gaza conflict may constitute genocide. Shikli termed the Pope's comments "ridiculous."

Israel's Foreign Ministry responded, "Unfortunately, the Pope chose to ignore all this," adding that civilian casualties are "tragic" but emphasizing Israel's efforts to minimize harm.

The Pope also revealed that Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa was denied entry into Gaza on Friday, contrary to Israel's claims that entry was approved.