The fallout is escalating after an Israeli tank shell struck the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza on Thursday, which has led to widespread condemnation from global religious leaders.
The attack resulted in three deaths and ten injuries while causing significant damage to the church structure.
Throughout the 21-month conflict between Israel and Hamas, hundreds of Palestinians sought shelter and support at this church. It served as a refuge for both Christians and Muslims, including children with disabilities.
Religious Leaders Condemn the Attack
On Friday, top Christian leaders from Jerusalem visited the church in a show of solidarity following the incident.
Cardinal Pizzabara, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, along with Theophilus III, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, announced their intention to assist in evacuating the injured for treatment outside of Gaza, as well as providing food and medical support to those in need.
According to a press release, they voiced shared concerns about the conditions in Gaza and offered their prayers for the church community (editor).
Pope Leo XIV also spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the urgent need to safeguard places of worship, particularly for faithful individuals across Palestine and Israel.
The late Pope Francis had a special relationship with this church, often communicating with its members during the conflict and in the months before his passing in April.
Israel Apologizes
An Israeli official has characterized the attack as an accident.
“Israel deeply regrets that lost ammunition struck the Holy Family Church in Gaza. It’s tragic to lose innocent lives, and we share in the grief of the faithful,” Netanyahu stated.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
Pressure is mounting for a ceasefire amidst this ongoing conflict, which has resulted in nearly 60,000 Palestinian deaths since October 7, 2023, and around 1,200 deaths in Israel, along with the ongoing hostage crisis.
President Trump also expressed his disappointment regarding the attack during a conversation with Netanyahu.
