In statements reported by Western media, the Pope emphasized the need to respect international law and protect civilians, stressing that “the destruction in Gaza must stop.” His remarks were made in the context of commenting on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, where he strongly criticized policies of “collective punishment,” asserting that they are prohibited under international law.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency warned last Monday of a doubling in cases of malnutrition among children under the age of five between March and June, due to the ongoing Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip. The World Health Organization also confirmed that malnutrition rates in Gaza have reached dangerous levels, noting that one in five children under five in Gaza City suffers from severe life-threatening malnutrition.
In a related context, medical sources in the Gaza Strip announced last Monday the death of 11 people, including two children, within the past 24 hours due to famine and malnutrition, raising the death toll to 300, including 117 children, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA. Residents are experiencing unprecedented levels of hunger, with UN organizations warning of widespread famine and rising deaths due to malnutrition, especially among children, the sick, and those with disabilities.
From October 7, 2023, until August 26 of the current year, the war on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of about 63,000 Palestinians and approximately 158,000 injuries, according to data from the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza.
