Pope Francis: 'It is Simply Brutality'

Pope Francis has once again condemned the Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip. In his annual Christmas message, Francis described the situation as not a war, but rather 'simply brutality.'

'Yesterday children were bombed,' the Pope stated on Saturday, as he has recently been quite vocal regarding Israeli actions.

The Israeli government had previously publicly condemned the pontiff for his statement urging the international community to investigate whether the military operations in Gaza constitute genocide against the Palestinian people.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Israel is defending itself against the brutal actions of militants from 'Hamas', which is recognized as a terrorist organization by the US and the EU.