The incident has garnered global attention, with Pope Leo XIV calling for an immediate end to hostilities. Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret over the incident and stated that the military is investigating the circumstances surrounding the strike.

Ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas have made little advancement, as Israel continues its military operations targeting Hamas, which has ruled Gaza amid ongoing violence. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the casualties in recent weeks have surged, with over 7,750 Palestinians reported dead since a ceasefire ended in March. The ongoing conflict, which initially erupted on October 7, 2023, has seen more than 55,000 Palestinian lives lost.

Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, condemned the Israeli attacks on civilians as "unacceptable," arguing that no military action can justify such harm. Among the lives lost in the recent strike were the church janitor and another individual, further deepening the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn region.

As the situation escalates, the global community watches closely, hopeful for a resolution that will bring an end to the violence.

Ameera Harouda and Rawan Sheikh Ahmad contributed reporting. Natan Odenheimer is a reporter based in Jerusalem covering these urgent developments.