On Thursday, Pope Francis intensified his recent condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing the humanitarian crisis in the region as “very serious and shameful.”

In his annual address to diplomats, delivered by an aide on his behalf, the pontiff seemed to allude to fatalities caused by the harsh winter conditions in Gaza, where electricity is almost nonexistent.

“We cannot in any way accept the bombing of civilians,” the speech declared.

“We cannot accept that children are freezing to death because hospitals have been destroyed or a country’s energy network has been hit.”

The pope, 88, attended the address but opted for an aide to deliver the remarks as he recovers from a cold.

These statements were part of an address to approximately 184 representatives from countries accredited to the Vatican, often referred to as the pope’s “state of the world” address. Among the attendees was Israel’s ambassador to the Holy See.

Known for his typically neutral stance on global conflicts, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, with 1.4 billion members worldwide, has recently taken a stronger position on Israel’s military operations in Gaza. He has suggested that the international community should assess whether the campaign amounts to genocide targeting both militants and civilians who remain in harm’s way, whether by force or choice.

In December, an Israeli government official openly criticized Pope Francis for these comments.

{Matzav.com}