The recent Israeli airstrike on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City resulted in the tragic deaths of three individuals and left six others injured, including the parish priest. As negotiations for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas falter, Pope Leo XIV has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, emphasizing the urgent need for peace.
Israeli Strikes on Gaza Church Amid Cease-Fire Negotiations
Israeli Strikes on Gaza Church Amid Cease-Fire Negotiations
A deadly Israeli strike on a Catholic church in Gaza City sparks international condemnation and highlights the escalating humanitarian crisis.
A significant humanitarian crisis continues to unfold in Gaza as the Israeli military maintains its assault on the region, citing efforts to incapacitate Hamas while a growing number of Palestinian casualties are reported.
On Thursday morning, the roof of the Holy Family Catholic Church was struck, leading to devastation as hundreds sought refuge within its walls. Church officials, including Farid Jubran, spokesman for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, confirmed the casualties, but the origin of the munitions used remains unclear. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed remorse over the incident and stated that the military was investigating the situation.
With the ongoing conflict having claimed over 55,000 Palestinian lives since the start of hostilities on October 7, 2023, the humanitarian conditions in Gaza have reached alarming levels. Reports indicate rampant food scarcity, lack of safe drinking water, and inadequate access to healthcare.
International reactions to the church attack have been swift, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denouncing Israeli strikes on civilians as “unacceptable,” insisting that no military action justifies such conduct. Among the victims were church custodian Saad Salameh and parish priest Gabriel Romanelli, who maintained contact with foreign leaders about the deteriorating situation in Gaza.
As the plight of the residents of Gaza deepens, the call for peace and a cessation of violence becomes increasingly urgent from global leaders.
As coverage continues, journalists and organizations on the ground are striving to report on the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis facing the Palestinian population.
Ameera Harouda and Rawan Sheikh Ahmad contributed reporting to this article.
On Thursday morning, the roof of the Holy Family Catholic Church was struck, leading to devastation as hundreds sought refuge within its walls. Church officials, including Farid Jubran, spokesman for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, confirmed the casualties, but the origin of the munitions used remains unclear. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed remorse over the incident and stated that the military was investigating the situation.
With the ongoing conflict having claimed over 55,000 Palestinian lives since the start of hostilities on October 7, 2023, the humanitarian conditions in Gaza have reached alarming levels. Reports indicate rampant food scarcity, lack of safe drinking water, and inadequate access to healthcare.
International reactions to the church attack have been swift, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denouncing Israeli strikes on civilians as “unacceptable,” insisting that no military action justifies such conduct. Among the victims were church custodian Saad Salameh and parish priest Gabriel Romanelli, who maintained contact with foreign leaders about the deteriorating situation in Gaza.
As the plight of the residents of Gaza deepens, the call for peace and a cessation of violence becomes increasingly urgent from global leaders.
As coverage continues, journalists and organizations on the ground are striving to report on the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis facing the Palestinian population.
Ameera Harouda and Rawan Sheikh Ahmad contributed reporting to this article.
