Pope Francis called for an investigation into whether Israel's military actions in Gaza legally constitute genocide, according to a book due out this week.
The pope has previously criticized Israel's attacks on Gaza as "immoral" and disproportionate, but had stopped short of calling for an investigation into whether they violate international law.
Francis reportedly privately used the term "genocide" last year to describe Israeli military actions while speaking to a group of Palestinians, the Washington Post reported.
Pope Francis made the remarks in a forthcoming book — "Hope Never Disappoints. Pilgrims Towards a Better World" — that was based on interviews with him.
"According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide," Francis is quoted as saying in the book.
"We should investigate carefully to determine whether it fits into the technical definition formulated by jurists and international bodies," he adds.
A UN report earlier this month stated that nearly 70% of the verified fatalities in Gaza were women and children.
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