An Israeli airstrike on Thursday targeted the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City, resulting in the death of three individuals, including the parish priest, and injuring at least six others. The strike occurred while hundreds of Palestinians were seeking refuge within the church compound. Church officials reported that debris from the roof collapsed after being struck, but it remains uncertain whether the weapon was dropped from an aircraft or fired from ground-based artillery.
Israeli Airstrike Claims Lives at Gaza Church Amid Ceasefire Negotiations
Israeli Airstrike Claims Lives at Gaza Church Amid Ceasefire Negotiations
A deadly airstrike on a Catholic church in Gaza City has left three dead and several injured, drawing international condemnation as ceasefire talks falter.
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.
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.
