In a tragic escalation of violence amid stalled cease-fire talks, an Israeli airstrike targeted the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City on Thursday, leading to the deaths of three individuals and injuring at least six more, including the parish priest. Church representatives reported that the attack occurred at approximately 10:10 a.m. while several hundred Palestinians were sheltering within the church compound.
Farid Jubran, a spokesperson for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, indicated that the origin of the munition—whether from air or artillery—remains uncertain. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep regret over the incident and stated that an investigation is underway into the attack.
In light of the strike, Pope Leo XIV issued a public plea for "an immediate cease-fire" in Gaza, underscoring the urgency of the situation. The incident occurs as negotiations between Israel and Hamas face significant delays over a proposed U.S.-backed cease-fire. Despite those discussions, Israel continues its offensive in the Gaza Strip aiming to weaken Hamas, which has governed the region since 2007.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 7,750 Palestinians have been killed since a previous cease-fire fell apart in March, with reports indicating around 100 fatalities in just the last few days, as many citizens seek food amid widespread scarcity. Since the beginning of the conflict on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas-led attack on Israel, more than 55,000 Palestinians have died during what has evolved into a humanitarian disaster.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the Israeli actions against civilians, deeming them "unacceptable" and arguing that no military response can warrant such acts. Among those who tragically lost their lives in the church strike were Saad Salameh, the janitor, and Fumayya Ayyad, with the third victim identified as Najwa Abu Daoud. The church's parish priest, Gabriel Romanelli—who maintains regular communication with Pope Francis regarding the Gaza situation—was also injured during this horrifying incident.
Reports from Caritas Jerusalem noted the unfortunate circumstances surrounding those killed, as individuals sheltered in the church compound when the strike occurred, revealing the precarious reality facing civilians trapped in the conflict.
As the international community watches closely, the hope for a resolution to the ongoing conflict hangs in the balance amid cries for humanitarian relief and protection for innocent lives.
Farid Jubran, a spokesperson for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, indicated that the origin of the munition—whether from air or artillery—remains uncertain. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep regret over the incident and stated that an investigation is underway into the attack.
In light of the strike, Pope Leo XIV issued a public plea for "an immediate cease-fire" in Gaza, underscoring the urgency of the situation. The incident occurs as negotiations between Israel and Hamas face significant delays over a proposed U.S.-backed cease-fire. Despite those discussions, Israel continues its offensive in the Gaza Strip aiming to weaken Hamas, which has governed the region since 2007.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 7,750 Palestinians have been killed since a previous cease-fire fell apart in March, with reports indicating around 100 fatalities in just the last few days, as many citizens seek food amid widespread scarcity. Since the beginning of the conflict on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas-led attack on Israel, more than 55,000 Palestinians have died during what has evolved into a humanitarian disaster.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the Israeli actions against civilians, deeming them "unacceptable" and arguing that no military response can warrant such acts. Among those who tragically lost their lives in the church strike were Saad Salameh, the janitor, and Fumayya Ayyad, with the third victim identified as Najwa Abu Daoud. The church's parish priest, Gabriel Romanelli—who maintains regular communication with Pope Francis regarding the Gaza situation—was also injured during this horrifying incident.
Reports from Caritas Jerusalem noted the unfortunate circumstances surrounding those killed, as individuals sheltered in the church compound when the strike occurred, revealing the precarious reality facing civilians trapped in the conflict.
As the international community watches closely, the hope for a resolution to the ongoing conflict hangs in the balance amid cries for humanitarian relief and protection for innocent lives.
