Vatican cardinal condemns Hamas assaults and Israel's Gaza response

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The Vatican’s prime diplomat on Monday condemned each Hamas’ "inhuman and indefensible" Oct. 7 assaults and Israel’s "ongoing bloodbath" in Gaza, warning that even reliable self-defense can't justify the destruction of a "largely defenseless inhabitants."

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state and one among Pope Leo XIV's advisers, spoke in an interview marking the second anniversary of Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault on Israel — a raid that killed about 1,200 individuals and noticed 251 individuals taken hostage.

Parolin stated Israel’s army response has stretched far past the bounds of proportionality, turning Gaza’s crowded neighborhoods into ruins.

"The struggle waged by the Israeli military to eradicate Hamas militants disregards the truth that it's concentrating on a largely defenseless inhabitants, already pushed to the brink, in an space the place buildings and houses are decreased to rubble," he advised Vatican media.

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Cardinal Pietro Parolin condemned the Oct. 7 assault by Hamas on Israel, whereas additionally calling the present battle between the 2, Israel's "ongoing bloodbath," on Oct. 6, 2025. (Stefano Carofei /IPA/Sipa/IMAGN)

"Those that are attacked have a proper to defend themselves," he stated, "however even reliable protection should respect the precept of proportionality."

Reuters reported that Hamas-run Gaza well being authorities declare Israel's marketing campaign has resulted in over 67,000 deaths in Gaza, largely civilians.

The remarks rank among the many Church’s sharpest rebukes of the struggle. Additionally they mark a shift towards a extra forceful Vatican voice below Leo, who succeeded Pope Francis in Might.

Parolin additionally faulted international powers for his or her paralysis.

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A Gazan household walks close to the rubble of buildings throughout the Eid al-Adha vacation, in Gaza Metropolis, June 6, 2025. (Mahmoud Issa/Reuters)

"It's… clear that the worldwide neighborhood is, sadly, powerless and that the nations actually able to exerting affect have to date didn't act to cease the continued bloodbath," he stated.

"I can solely repeat the very clear phrases spoken by Pope Leo on July 20: ‘I renew my enchantment to the worldwide neighborhood to look at humanitarian legislation and to respect the duty to guard civilians, in addition to the prohibition of collective punishment, the indiscriminate use of drive and the compelled displacement of the inhabitants.’"

Parolin went additional, questioning the morality of arms gross sales to events within the battle.

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Pope Leo XIV delivers his blessing to the devoted on the finish of his weekly basic viewers within the Paul VI corridor on the Vatican, on Aug. 27, 2025. (Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu by way of Getty Photographs)

"It’s not sufficient to say that what is going on is unacceptable after which proceed to permit it to occur," he stated.

"We should severely ask ourselves concerning the legitimacy… of constant to provide weapons which can be getting used towards civilians."

In July, Pope Leo XIV expressed disappointment and known as for a ceasefire after Gaza’s solely Catholic Church was hit in an obvious Israeli strike, leaving no less than two lifeless and a number of other injured. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later stated "stray ammunition" hit the church.

Parolin’s warning lands as European leaders face rising strain to do greater than challenge statements of concern. His use of "bloodbath" echoed humanitarian teams that say Gaza’s civilian infrastructure has collapsed.