The Vaticansannouncementof Pope Francis death on Monday early morning was met with a mix of event and criticism inIsrael, where political leaders, pundits, and social networks users focused on the pontiffs condemnation of Israel in the middle of its war on theGaza Strip, Middle East Eye reported on Monday.The pope, aged 88, passed away after denouncing the awful humanitarian situation brought on by Israels attack on Gaza and revealing his nearness to the sufferings of all the Israeli individuals and thePalestinianpeople in his last address on Easter Sunday.
I interest the warring celebrations: call a ceasefire, release the hostages, and pertain to the aid of a starving people that desires a future of peace, he said.Rafi Schutz, Israels former ambassador to the Vatican, wrotethat he was the pope who brought the world better to him and disappointed Israel .
The popes position on Israel after the start of the war should have extreme criticism , Schutz continued, adding that it marked a considerable blow to Israeli-Vatican relations.The right-wing newspaperIsrael Hayomsaid the pontiff will be remembered in Israel mainly for his severe declarations against the war in Gaza .
The reactionary Channel 14called himIsraels harshest critic .
Zvika Klein, the editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, characterised Pope Francis criticism of Israel and assistance for Palestinians under its attack as unconditional support for Hamas .
There was a particular optimism in the Jewish world when he was appointed, Klein said.
There was a very excellent frustration here from the Israeli and Jewish sides [due to] extreme statements especially in current months .
The pope had vocally and consistently criticised Israels war on the Gaza Strip, especially the killing of Palestinian kids, drawing the ireof Israeli politicians.He held near-nightly calls with Gazas Christian community throughout the war, which they said were a source of solace and comfort.In his book, Hope Never Disappoints: Pilgrims Toward a Better World, released in late 2024, hesuggestedthat Israels attack on the Gaza Strip could be characterised as a genocide, and called for an examination into the specialist allegations.In December, Israels foreign ministrysummonedthe Vaticans top diplomat after comments by Pope Francis implicating Israel of cruelty in Gaza.Better off without himMany common Israelis took to social networks to express their complete satisfaction with the popes death due to his stance on Israels war.Commenting under the Channel 14 short article, one user called him a scoundrel and said, Its good that he is dead .
Thank God the Pope is dead, another agreed.On Facebook, social media users categorised him as a hater of Judaism .
UnderKan 11s postabout the death of the pope, one user composed: I do not care about this psychotic old male, who hates Israel .
Under aYnetreport, another wrote: Pope Francis will be kept in mind as the one who regularly backed modern-day antisemitism, including that the world is much better off without him .
Another user said that the pope was the daddy of impurity.
Another pedophile, and included: Thank god we eliminated him.
Another user stated: Good news at last.
On theWalla newsaccount, one user called him a heretic who supported Nazi Hamas .
And another asked: Why do you reveal on the Jewish media on an Israel-hater who died? Another user composed that after his hateful declarations versus Israel, he is lucky that he lived a couple of more months and did not pass away instantly, referring to the popesdeteriorating healthin current months.Some individuals in Israel also mourned the death of the pope.President Isaac Herzogwroteon X that he sent his inmost condolences to the Christian world and particularly the Christian neighborhoods in Israel - the Holy Land - on the loss of their terrific spiritual dad, His Holiness Pope Francis.
Herzog included: I genuinely hope that his prayers for peace in the Middle East and for the safe return of the captives will quickly be responded to.
May his memory continue to inspire acts of generosity, unity, and hope.
While one user reacted, Dont speak in my name.
The pope was a wicked antisemite, there were also many Israelis who expressed outrage at these types of posts.
How racist.
Amazing, composed one person.
You have no respect for either religious beliefs.
.
This short article very first appeared/also appeared in Tehran Times