Israel Strikes Gaza Church, Killing 22; Pope Francis Saddened

Attack on Holy Family Church

• 🎯 An Israeli strike on the Holy Family Church in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of at least 22 people.
• 💥 Among the casualties were two individuals killed in the attack on the church, which Pope Francis previously used to speak at regularly.
• 🤕 Father Gabrielle Romanelli, who provided updates to the late Pope on the conflict, was lightly injured.
• 💬 A witness described the incident as a tank shell strike on the church, which housed elderly civilians and innocent people.

International Reaction and Ceasefire Talks

• 🕊️ Pope Francis expressed deep sadness over the loss of life and reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire.
• 🔍 The Israeli military stated it was aware of the reports and was reviewing the incident.
• 🚚 Eight individuals involved in protecting aid trucks were also reported dead in separate air strikes.
• 💬 Ceasefire talks were ongoing in Doha, with a US official indicating progress, though Hamas reported no breakthrough amidst continued Israeli bombardment of Gaza.