Pope Francis condemns Gaza bombings as ‘shameful’ humanitarian crisis

Pope Francis intensified his critique of Israel's military onslaught in Gaza on Thursday, describing the dire humanitarian conditions in the besieged Palestinian enclave as "very serious and shameful."

In a statement delivered by an aide during his annual address to diplomats, the Pope condemned the devastation wrought by Israel's assault. Referring to deaths linked to the freezing winter and Gaza’s lack of electricity, he declared: "We cannot in any way accept the bombing of civilians."

He added, "We cannot accept that children are freezing to death because hospitals have been destroyed or a country's energy network has been hit."