In a devastating escalation of the Israel-Gaza conflict, an Israeli airstrike struck the Holy Family Parish in Gaza on Saturday, killing two Christian women who had sought refuge within the church compound. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned what it called a "direct hit" on the house of worship.
Church Shelter Turned Target
The historic Catholic church, home to Gaza's small Christian community, had been sheltering hundreds of displaced civilians when the attack occurred. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the strike demolished part of the building shortly after noon.
Victims Identified
Among the dead were Nahida and Samar Anton, a mother and daughter killed while walking to the church's convent. At least seven others were injured in the blast, including elderly parishioners who had been sleeping in the church hall.
International Outcry Grows
The attack has drawn sharp criticism from religious leaders worldwide. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, stated: "This is a place of worship, not a military target. The indiscriminate targeting of civilians constitutes a war crime."
Israeli military officials acknowledged the strike but claimed Hamas operatives were operating near the church. However, church authorities vehemently deny these allegations, insisting the compound had remained strictly neutral throughout the conflict.
Gaza's Christian Community Under Threat
With fewer than 1,000 Christians remaining in Gaza, community leaders fear this attack may accelerate an exodus. The Holy Family Parish represents one of the last institutional pillars for Gaza's ancient Christian community, which traces its roots back to the first century.
As fighting continues to rage across the territory, humanitarian organizations warn that places of worship and civilian shelters must remain protected under international law. The UN has called for an immediate investigation into the incident.
