Hamas' reaction to the death of Pope Francis and his advocacy for Gaza
Hamas has expressed its condolences regarding the death of Pope Francis, acknowledging his condemnation of the suffering endured by the people in Gaza due to ongoing conflict, particularly following Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023. The Holy Father passed away at the age of 88 after an extended stay in the hospital earlier this year.
Pope Francis was renowned for his vocal stance on humanitarian crises globally, including the one in Gaza. His death signifies a loss of a significant voice advocating for peace and human dignity, which resonated with many Palestinians, although they are predominantly Muslim.
In a statement, Hamas remarked on the Pope’s consistent opposition to warfare and aggression, noting his condemnation of what they termed as war crimes against the Palestinian populace. Leaders from both Israel and Palestine expressed their sorrow over his passing and acknowledged his efforts towards fostering dialogue and understanding.
Tributes to Pope Francis emerged from both Christian and Muslim communities on social media, reflecting on his empathetic approach towards civilians affected by violence. His final Easter message highlighted concerns over rising anti-Semitism, while also emphasizing the dire situation in Gaza where conflict continues to wreak havoc.
Following Hamas's attacks, Pope Francis had advocated for the freedom of hostages and promoted dialogue as crucial for peace. In a notable escalation of criticism, he called for an investigation into allegations of genocide regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza, urging careful examination of the situation from a legal standpoint.
Pope Francis’s relationship with Palestinian communities spans back to before the current hostilities. His poignant act of praying at a wall in Bethlehem during a 2014 visit symbolized his support. Despite health challenges, he maintained communication with Christian leaders in Gaza, decrying violence against civilians.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog commended the Pope for fostering Jewish-Christian relations and interfaith dialogue, hoping his prayers for peace would come to fruition. Meanwhile, Bassem Naim from Hamas expressed that the loss of Pope Francis would leave a significant void, attributing it to his principled stance against injustices faced by Palestinians.
As the tumultuous situation in Gaza persists with no signs of peace or hostages' release, many Palestinians feel they have lost a powerful advocate. The ongoing conflict remains complex, underscoring the need for diplomatic engagements amidst widespread suffering.
