While Pope Francis has criticized the war before, this is the first time he has publicly suggested an investigation, according to excerpts from a new book.

Pope Francis has called for an investigation into whether Israel's military actions in Gaza meet the criteria for genocide. In excerpts from his upcoming book, published Sunday by La Stampa, the Pope referenced experts who believe the situation in Gaza has "characteristics of genocide.

ROME, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Pope Francis has suggested the global community should study whether Israel's military campaign in Gaza constitutes a genocide of the Palestinian people, in some of his most explicit criticism yet of Israel's conduct in its year-long war.