Pope Francis on Thursday stepped up his recent criticisms of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, calling the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave “very serious and shameful.” In a yearly address to diplomats delivered on his behalf by an aide, Francis appeared to reference deaths caused by winter cold in Gaza, where there is almost no electricity.For the latest updates on the Israel-Palestine conflict, visit our dedicated page.“We cannot in any way accept the bombing of civilians,” the text said. “We cannot accept that children are freezing to death because hospitals have been destroyed or a country’s energy network has been hit.” The pope was present for the address but asked an aide to read it for him as he is recovering from a cold. Read more:Gaza rescuers say children among 12 killed in Israeli strikesIsrael says no foreign courts have warrants issued against reservistsRed Cross urges unhindered aid access to flood-hit and