Church Strike in Gaza
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has confirmed that an Israeli strike on the Holy Family Compound in Gaza City killed two individuals on Thursday. The incident has raised serious questions about the targeting of religious sites during conflicts.
International Response
Israel has expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating it never targets churches or religious sites and is currently investigating the matter. Meanwhile, the Latin Patriarchate has called for prayers for the victims and an end to the violence, emphasizing that nothing justifies harm to innocent civilians.
Gaza’s Christian Community
With a population of over two million, Gaza’s Christian community is a small minority, with about 1,000 members, predominantly Orthodox. The Latin Patriarchate reports approximately 135 Catholics reside in the territory, highlighting the significance of the church as a place of worship and community.
Broader Impact
This tragic event occurred amidst reports of at least 20 other fatalities from Israeli strikes across Gaza, underscoring the escalating violence and its toll on civilian lives.