Pope Leo urges a halt to hostilities following an Israeli attack on a Catholic church in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of three individuals
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza has become a focal point of concern, following a reported incident that left fourteen people injured, including Father Gabriel Romanelli, and caused extensive damage to the church compound.
The Israeli military is currently reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident, claiming it made every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and civilian structures, including religious sites. However, the church was struck by what Israel described as "stray ammunition" during a military operation in the area. This is not the first time the church has been hit, making it the third church sheltering displaced civilians to be affected by the conflict.
The attack occurred ten minutes after prayers had ended, potentially sparing many lives. The Roman Catholic Church has often called for an end to the Gaza war, with Pope Leo XIV deeply saddened by the loss of life and injury caused by the attack. He has expressed sorrow over the incident and has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Pope Francis has been in regular contact with the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, speaking to church leaders and Palestinians sheltering there for about 15 minutes each day. Sister Saleh, a resident of the church compound, expressed fear and anxiety, stating "every day we pray for the people in the church."
The Holy Family Catholic Church was considered a safe zone under international law, housing approximately 600 displaced persons, including many children and 54 people with special needs, at the time of the attack. The bombing destroyed large parts of the church complex and forced some people with special needs to evacuate, some of whom were unable to receive the respirators they rely on for survival.
The incident has been condemned by various international figures, including Pope Leo XIV and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who have emphasized the need to protect civilians and places of worship. The director of the Government Media Office in Gaza, Ismail Al Thawabta, stated that the attack is part of a broader, deliberate strategy to destroy Palestinian society, regardless of religion.
Tragically, at least 17 people were killed in a separate incident in October 2023 when Israeli bombs hit the nearby historic Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius. The bombing of the Holy Family Catholic Church compound highlights the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict.
As the world watches, hopes remain for a swift resolution to the conflict and an end to the suffering of innocent civilians like those at the Holy Family Catholic Church.
- The world is closely following the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with particular concern for the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza following a reported incident that left fourteen people injured.
- Pope Leo XIV, deeply saddened by the loss of life and injury caused by the attack, has expressed sorrow over the incident and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
- Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has also condemned the attack on the Holy Family Catholic Church, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and places of worship.
- The bombing of the Holy Family Catholic Church compound has highlighted the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict.
- In a separate incident in October 2023, at least 17 people were killed when Israeli bombs hit the nearby historic Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius.
- As the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas raises concerns globally, hopes remain for a swift resolution to the conflict, bringing an end to the suffering of innocent civilians like those at the Holy Family Catholic Church.
