Pope clarifies Israel genocide claims: "Taken out of context" 

Pope Francis met with an interfaith delegation at the Vatican on Monday, which included representatives from Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, and Druze communities. Addressing recent controversy over excerpts from an upcoming book that implied he called for Israel to be investigated for genocide in Gaza, the Pope clarified his position.

"I did not claim that Israel committed genocide," he stated. "I was presented with materials from the war and remarked that if they are true, such allegations must be investigated. I understand the suffering in Gaza. I firmly believe Hamas should no longer exist in the world, but I also think the war must not be prolonged," he stressed.

Among the attendees was Rabbi Yosef Garmon, head of "The Humanitarian Coalition" and a former Chief Rabbi of Guatemala. Rabbi Garmon, who served as a tank commander in Israel and fought in Gaza and the north, addressed the Pope directly: "You cannot say that Israel must be investigated for genocide."

* Ynet contributed to this article.