Pope Francis has condemned the Israeli occupation of Gaza Strip as “terrorism” and its military as terrorists, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Saturday.

In his weekly speech at St Peter’s Square, the Pope described the terrorism of Israeli forces by bombing and shooting civilians in Gaza – including Palestinian Christians.

“Israel is a terror state and is committing genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza. The UK government is complicit until it publicly condemns the war crimes and ends all material and political support to the apartheid, genocidal state.”

Pope Francis spoke out after reports of Israeli snipers killing two Christian women in Gaza's sole Catholic church, deploring the "grave and painful news" from Gaza, including airstrikes on unarmed civilians.

He urged worshippers to remember those suffering from wars in Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, and other conflict regions, and to work towards peace.