British MP Moran, whose family is seeking asylum in a Gaza church, paints a dire picture of Christians seeking refuge in Gaza churches, citing a worsening situation in the region. The family has been in the "Heilige Familie" church for over ten weeks amid ongoing bombardment by Israeli forces.
The conditions developed into a precarious state last week, with armed snipers targeting civilians. Talking to CNN, Moran described the situation as "very concerning." The family had sought asylum a week before Christmas and have been staying in the church for over 60 days. Israel's army informed them of an evacuation order, but it remains unclear why, with no alternative churches available in Gaza-City.
The plight of asylum-seekers in the church has garnered increasing attention globally. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem accused an Israeli military sharp-shooter of killing a mother and her daughter inside the church. The Patriarchate added that Israeli tanks also attacked the Mother Teresa Convent, a part of the church premises, home to 54 disabled individuals. Furthermore, the generator, fuel reserves, solar panels, and water tanks of the building were reportedly destroyed.
The incident took place as the two women were en route to the convent. One of them was shot dead while trying to protect another. At least seven more people were wounded in the attack, according to reports. Israeli forces deny responsibility for the deaths.
Criticism surrounding Israel's actions is mounting internationally. Pope Francis lamented the attack on unarmed civilians, even within the "Heilige Familie" complex where no terrorists were present, just families, children, the sick, and disabled individuals. In response, the British Foreign Minister for the Middle East, Tariq Ahmed, denounced the killings and called on Israel to respect international humanitarian law.
Representatives of the church contacted the IDF regarding explosions near the church during the dialogue between the two parties. Although no updates on assaults on churches or civilian casualties were reported, an IDF investigation confirmed no such instances. The IDF assured that they only target terrorists and terrorist infrastructures, not civilians, even irrespective of their religious beliefs. They also underscored their efforts to protect uninvolved civilians during military operations.
Growing Backlash
The Israeli military is now facing growing international criticism.
“Unarmed civilians are being attacked with explosives and firearms, and this is happening right within the "Heilige Familie" complex, where there are no terrorists, but only families, children, the sick, and disabled individuals,” Pope Francis said on Sunday.
The British foreign minister for the Middle East, Tariq Ahmed, also condemned the murders and called on Israel to respect international humanitarian law.
“I am shocked by the killing of civilians and the injury of others who had sought refuge in a church in the northern Gaza Strip,” Ahmed said on Sunday in a statement. “Israel must adhere to international humanitarian law. Civilians must be protected.” Ahmed added that a lasting ceasefire is urgently required to achieve lasting peace.
The family of Moran's relatives had sought refuge in the church for the first week following the 7th of October, with the situation deteriorating quickly.
Moran lamented that her family's last supply of wheat had been exhausted as the situation worsened. She called for the Israeli government and the military to halt the attacks on the church. She recalled losing a family member through dehydration when they couldn't reach the hospital.
“I wasn't sure if the rest of my family would survive,” she said. “I want to tell the Israeli government that this is the week before Christmas. Is this the time for you to argue with the Pope? Is this the time for you to forcibly expel Palestinians wherever you want, even when they try to seek asylum?”
Moran confirmed that Hamas had never been present in the church. She added, “There were children. If anyone dares to look at these photos, they will see that the women killed were not in the least bit like Hamas fighters,” she added.
Historically, Israel has faced international criticism for its actions in Gaza, including severe destruction of Mosques and Churches and the targeting of religious figures and places. The most prominent examples are the Saint Porphyrius Church and the Holy Family Church, both of which were completely destroyed by Israeli forces. Additionally, mosques like the Great Omari Mosque and other cemeteries have also suffered significant damage.
According to Amnesty International and other human rights organizations, the Indiscriminate targeting of civilians, including those seeking refuge in religious shelters, amounts to potential war crimes and violation of international human rights laws. The International Criminal Court has even issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Vast international criticism and calls for accountability remain surrounding Israel's actions in Gaza.
