Vatican CityAs tens of thousands of Palestinians were fleeing their homes as Israel launched a major new ground offensive in Gaza City, Pope Leo XIV expressed his "profound closeness to the Palestinian people in Gaza." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said the long-planned operation to occupy Gaza City was aimed at Hamas' "last major stronghold." Heavy airstrikes hit portions of the city Sept. 16 as Israeli troops began a gradual push from the outskirts. Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory determined that Israel is responsible for the commission of genocide in Gaza. The report urged Israel and all countries to fulfil their obligations under international law "to end the genocide" and punish those responsible.