Vatican Cardinal condemns Israel’s actions in Gaza as “ongoing massacre”
Vatican City: The Vatican’s top diplomat, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has strongly criticised Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, describing it as an “ongoing massacre” of a defenceless population. His remarks, published on Monday, mark one of the Catholic Church’s most severe condemnations of Israel’s actions since the war began.
Speaking on the eve of the second anniversary of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks on Israeli communities, Parolin called those attacks “inhuman and indefensible” and urged Hamas to release all remaining hostages. However, he maintained that Israel’s response had violated the principle of proportionality.
“Those who are attacked have a right to defend themselves, but even legitimate defence must respect proportionality,” said Parolin, who serves as the Vatican’s Secretary of State and one of Pope Leo’s closest aides. “The war waged by the Israeli army to eliminate Hamas militants disregards the fact that it is targeting a largely defenceless population, already pushed to the brink, in an area where buildings and homes are reduced to rubble.”
Parolin further stated that the international community appeared “powerless” and that nations with real influence had “failed to act to stop the ongoing massacre.” He questioned the morality of continuing to supply weapons “being used against civilians,” though he did not name specific countries.
Since the 2023 Hamas-led assault that killed 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage, Israel’s retaliatory campaign in Gaza has reportedly killed more than 67,000 people, most of them civilians, according to Gaza health authorities.
Under Pope Leo, elected in May following the death of Pope Francis, the Vatican has intensified its criticism of Israel’s blockade and military actions, urging greater humanitarian access and pressing the issue in diplomatic meetings, including a September discussion with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Parolin concluded, “It’s not enough to say that what is happening is unacceptable and then continue to allow it to happen.”
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
