“IDF Confirms Incident at Last Catholic Church in Gaza, Following Accusations of Shooting Two Christian Women”

Accident – death – Obituary News : Israeli Defense Forces Investigate “Incident” at Last Catholic Church in Gaza

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that an “incident” took place at the Holy Family Church in Gaza, following accusations from Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa that two Christian women were shot and killed by IDF snipers. The incident allegedly occurred during a larger assault on the parish.

According to Pizzaballa’s urgent letter, the victims, identified as Nahida and her daughter Samar, were killed as they tried to walk to the Sisters’ Convent. Pizzaballa claims that the women were shot and killed as they attempted to carry each other to safety. Additionally, multiple other Christian parishioners were allegedly wounded in the attack.

The Holy See republished Pizzaballa’s report, stating that the Israeli military entered the compound of the Holy Family Catholic Parish in Gaza and shot at anyone leaving the church. The victims were identified as an elderly woman and her daughter who rushed out of the building to rescue her mother. The IDF justified the attack, claiming the presence of a missile launcher in the parish.

The Holy Family Church is the only Catholic Church in the Gaza Strip and is one of the last remaining Christian communities in the region. The church compound is also home to the Missionaries of Charity, an order of female religious members founded by Mother Teresa that is dedicated to serving the sick and disabled.

Pizzaballa reported that a rocket fired from an Israeli tank during the assault struck the nuns’ convent, disrupting the operations of the order’s care for approximately 54 disabled civilians living in the compound. The patriarch also highlighted the destruction of the building’s generator and fuel resources, as well as the damage caused by subsequent explosions.

The IDF spokesperson stated that the skirmish took place due to a “threat” identified in the area of the church and that a review of the incident is underway. The IDF maintains that its military operations only target terrorists and terror infrastructure and do not target civilians, regardless of their religion.

The Latin Patriarchate, the highest Catholic authority in the Holy Land and the protector of the Holy Family Parish, had initially contacted the IDF regarding explosions heard near the church. However, during the dialogue between the IDF and representatives of the community, no reports of casualties or damage to the church were raised.

Pope Francis addressed the reports coming out of the Latin Patriarchate during a Sunday address, expressing his sorrow and calling for prayers for peace. He condemned the targeting of unarmed civilians and emphasized the need for an end to war and terrorism.

The IDF spokesperson emphasized that they are fighting against a terrorist organization that uses civilians and holy sites as human shields for its terror activities. The IDF is committed to conducting a thorough review of the incident and providing additional information as needed.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem continues to follow the situation with great concern, and the Holy Family Church and its community are in need of support and assistance during this difficult time..