Israeli Strike Hits Gaza's Only Catholic Church, Killing Two

Attack on Holy Family Church

• 🎯 An apparent Israeli missile strike hit the compound of the Holy Family Church in northern Gaza.
• ⛪ This church is the only Catholic church facility in the Gaza Strip.
• 🕯️ The strike resulted in the deaths of at least two people: an elderly woman and the church janitor.
• 🤕 Several other individuals were injured and are receiving treatment.

Civilian Sheltering and Previous Incidents

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The church compound was sheltering hundreds of people, including Christians and Muslims, who were fleeing the fighting.
• ✝️ There are approximately one thousand Christians living in the Gaza Strip.
• ☦️ Previously, the Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza was also hit by Israeli strikes.

International and Papal Response

• 🕊️ Pope Francis renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza following the incident.
• 📞 The previous Pope, Francis, had maintained regular contact with the priest at the Holy Family Church, calling him nightly.
• 🇮🇱 Israel's foreign ministry expressed deep sorrow over the damage and casualties, stating the military is investigating.

Related Israeli Strikes in Syria

• 🇸🇾 Separately, Israel carried out strikes in Damascus, Syria, reportedly in response to clashes in southern Syria involving Drews minority militia groups.
• 🤝 A ceasefire agreement was reached in Syria with the help of the US, leading to the withdrawal of government forces from the area.
• ⚖️ Syria's interim president prioritized protecting Drews citizens and holding those accountable who wronged them.