An alarming incident occurred in Gaza City on Thursday when an Israeli airstrike targeted the Holy Family Catholic Church, resulting in the tragic deaths of three individuals and injuries to at least six others, including the parish priest. The strike came as negotiations for a new U.S.-backed cease-fire between Israel and Hamas remain stagnant, raising concerns about the ongoing violence in the region.
According to officials from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the attack took place around 10:10 a.m., while several hundred Palestinians, who were seeking refuge, were on-site. The exact type of munition responsible for the damage is currently under investigation by the Israeli military, which expressed deep sorrow over the event via an official statement.
Pope Leo XIV responded to the attack with a call for an immediate cease-fire, emphasizing the urgent need to halt hostilities in Gaza. In the broader context, Israeli forces are actively conducting operations aimed at undermining Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that governs the Gaza Strip. The conflict has escalated dramatically since the violence erupted on October 7, 2023, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 55,000 Palestinian casualties so far.
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the Israeli strikes on civilians, labeling them as "unacceptable," stressing that no military rationale could justify such actions targeting non-combatants. Among the casualties from the church strike were Saad Salameh, the church janitor, and parish priest Gabriel Romanelli, who communicated regularly with Pope Francis regarding the dire circumstances in Gaza.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has become increasingly severe, with many residents struggling to secure basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter amid relentless hostilities. The need for immediate humanitarian intervention is more pronounced now as civilian lives continue to be caught in the crossfire of this ongoing conflict.
