Pope Francis condemns war crimes in Ukraine and Gaza conflicts

The pontiff also renewed his condemnation of Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7

Pope Francis delivers his yearly address to diplomats at the Vatican, on January 8. Vatican Media / Reuters

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Pope Francis said on Monday that those killed in conflicts such as Gaza and Ukraine should not be considered "collateral damage", as he condemned the "war crimes" perpetrated against civilians.

"The distinction between military and civil objectives is no longer respected," the Pope, 87, said in his new year's address to diplomats at the Vatican.

"There is no conflict that does not end up in some way indiscriminately striking the civilian population. The events in Ukraine and Gaza are clear proof of this.

"We must not forget that grave violations of international humanitarian law are war crimes."

Pope Francis's speech was dominated by calls for an end to conflicts around the world.

He said people "need to realise more clearly that civilian victims are not 'collateral damage' but men and woman, with names and surnames, who lose their lives".

"Were we to be able to look each of them in the eye, call them by name, and learn something of their personal history, we would see war for what it is – nothing other than an immense tragedy," the Pope said.

The pontiff again condemned the October 7 attack by Hamas militants, which resulted in about 1,140 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

The Palestinian group, considered a "terrorist" organisation by the US and EU, also took about 250 hostages, 132 of whom remain captive, Israel says. At least 24 are believed to have been killed.

"I renew my condemnation of this act and of every instance of terrorism and extremism," the Pope said.

Latest from the Israel-Gaza war - in pictures

Houthi fighters shout gather in Sanaa. The rebels have launched attacks in the Red Sea in response to the Gaza war. EPA

From left, Israeli Foreign Ministry adviser Tal Becker, lawyer Malcolm Shaw and Gilad Noam, deputy attorney general for international affairs, at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. AFP

A Palestinian man injured in an Israeli strike receives treatment in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. AP

Palestinian medics mourn after members of the Palestinian Red Crescent were killed in an Israeli strike in Deir Al Balah. Reuters

Israeli soldiers take up positions during a ground operation in Khan Younis. AP

Mourners gather at Al Najar hospital in Rafah, after several relatives of a member of the Hamas general military council were killed in a strike. AFP

Palestinians wait to receive food aid in Rafah. AP

A mass grave in Rafah. More than 23,000 people have been killed in Gaza since October 7. AFP

Palestinians search the rubble of destroyed buildings after an Israeli attack on Rafah. AFP

Injured Palestinians receive treatment at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis. AFP

Smoke rises over Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, as seen from Rafah, during sustained Israeli air strikes. AFP

The destruction has spread throughout the Gaza Strip, from the north to Rafah in the south. Reuters

Israeli soldiers stand on an armoured personnel carrier near the Israel-Gaza border, in southern Israel. Reuters

Smoke rises following Israeli air strikes in Khan Younis, the southern Gaza Strip. EPA

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu receives a security briefing with commanders and soldiers in the northern Gaza Strip. AP

Palestinians mourn their relatives killed in an Israeli strike on the Al Maghazi refugee camp. AFP

A Palestinian man detained by the Israeli military awaits treatment for his injuries in Rafah. AFP

Israel has responded since October 7 with relentless bombardment of Gaza and a ground invasion that have killed at least 22,835 people, most of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

The pontiff said Israel's military response "has caused an exceptionally grave humanitarian crisis and inconceivable suffering".

"To all the parties involved, I renew my appeal for a ceasefire on every front … and the immediate liberation of all the hostages held in Gaza," Pope Francis said.

"I ask that the Palestinian people receive humanitarian aid, and that hospitals, schools and places of worship receive all necessary protection."

Most of Gaza's population has been displaced, according to the UN, leaving them in overcrowded shelters or tents in the winter cold.

The World Health Organisation has warned of the risk of famine and disease, with people struggling to find food, safe water, fuel and medicine.

On Sunday, the UN reported "sickening scenes" at Al Aqsa Martyrs' Hospital, one of the few in Gaza that is still partly functioning, with "people of all ages being treated on blood-streaked floors and in chaotic corridors".