A recent Israeli airstrike on a church compound in Gaza has intensified calls for a ceasefire amid ongoing negotiations.
Israeli Airstrike Targets Gaza Church, Leaving Casualties Amid Ceasefire Negotiations
Israeli Airstrike Targets Gaza Church, Leaving Casualties Amid Ceasefire Negotiations
A devastating attack on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza exacerbates tensions as cease-fire efforts stall.
In a tragic incident on Thursday, an Israeli airstrike struck the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuring at least six others, including the parish priest. This attack unfolded in the midst of stalled ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
Witnesses reported that several hundred Palestinians were sheltering in the church compound when the strike occurred at approximately 10:10 a.m., causing debris and shrapnel to spread throughout the area. Farid Jubran, spokesperson for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, expressed uncertainty regarding whether the strike was carried out by aerial bombardment or tank fire.
In response, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “deep sorrow” over the incident and stated that the military is investigating the circumstances surrounding the strike. Following the attack, Pope Leo XIV issued a statement urging for an immediate halt to hostilities in Gaza.
Despite ongoing negotiations for a new U.S.-brokered ceasefire, Israel has continued its military offensive, claiming these measures are necessary to undermine Hamas, the militant group governing Gaza. Since the collapse of the previous ceasefire in March, over 7,750 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives, with around 100 deaths occurring in hospitals across the territory in recent days, according to the Gaza Health Ministry's reports. Many of these casualties involved individuals simply searching for food.
The conflict, which erupted following a Hamas-led assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where resources such as food, water, and shelter are in critical shortage.
In light of the ongoing strikes, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the Israeli attacks on civilians, calling them “unacceptable” and stating that no military operation can justify such actions. Among the fatalities in the church strike were the church janitor and a parishioner, both members of the community who were present when the missile struck.
Ameera Harouda and Rawan Sheikh Ahmad contributed to this report, with Natan Odenheimer examining the escalating situation from Jerusalem, focusing on Israeli and Palestinian dynamics.
Witnesses reported that several hundred Palestinians were sheltering in the church compound when the strike occurred at approximately 10:10 a.m., causing debris and shrapnel to spread throughout the area. Farid Jubran, spokesperson for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, expressed uncertainty regarding whether the strike was carried out by aerial bombardment or tank fire.
In response, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “deep sorrow” over the incident and stated that the military is investigating the circumstances surrounding the strike. Following the attack, Pope Leo XIV issued a statement urging for an immediate halt to hostilities in Gaza.
Despite ongoing negotiations for a new U.S.-brokered ceasefire, Israel has continued its military offensive, claiming these measures are necessary to undermine Hamas, the militant group governing Gaza. Since the collapse of the previous ceasefire in March, over 7,750 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives, with around 100 deaths occurring in hospitals across the territory in recent days, according to the Gaza Health Ministry's reports. Many of these casualties involved individuals simply searching for food.
The conflict, which erupted following a Hamas-led assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where resources such as food, water, and shelter are in critical shortage.
In light of the ongoing strikes, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the Israeli attacks on civilians, calling them “unacceptable” and stating that no military operation can justify such actions. Among the fatalities in the church strike were the church janitor and a parishioner, both members of the community who were present when the missile struck.
Ameera Harouda and Rawan Sheikh Ahmad contributed to this report, with Natan Odenheimer examining the escalating situation from Jerusalem, focusing on Israeli and Palestinian dynamics.
