Accident – death – Obituary News :

Pope Francis and Bishops Condemn Attack on Catholic Parish in Gaza

ROME (OSV News) — The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem’s denouncement of a series of attacks on Christians in Gaza by Israeli forces on December 16 has been met with condemnation from Pope Francis and numerous bishops across the globe. The attack, which resulted in the killing of a mother and daughter at a Catholic parish, has sparked calls for peace and an end to the violence.

In an emotional appeal during an Angelus prayer on December 17, Pope Francis called for an end to the “terrorism” of war, strongly condemning the attack. The incident involved an Israel Defense Forces sniper shooting and killing Nahida Khalil Anton and her daughter, Samar Kamal Anton, as they were walking to a convent at the Holy Family Parish compound in Gaza. The Missionaries of Charity convent was also targeted in the attack.

Pope Francis pleaded for an end to the war that is devastating the Holy Land, particularly highlighting the plight of the Catholic parish community in Gaza, where innocent civilians are being subjected to bombings and gunfire.

Expressing his dismay, the pope emphasized that the attack took place in an area that houses families, children, people with disabilities, and nuns, stressing that there were no terrorists present. He mourned the loss of Nahida Khalil Anton and Samar Kamal Anton, stating, “Yes, it is war. It is terrorism,” and appealing for peace.

Although refraining from directly criticizing the IDF, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem described the incident as a murder in a statement released on December 16. The patriarchate revealed that one victim was killed while attempting to protect the other, and seven others were shot and injured while trying to shield others within the church compound.

The Latin Patriarchate further stated that on the same day, an IDF tank launched a rocket at a Missionaries of Charity convent, which is home to 54 disabled individuals and forms part of the church compound. The convent had been identified as a place of worship since the beginning of the war. The tank destroyed the generator and fuel resources of the convent before firing two additional rockets, rendering the building uninhabitable. Consequently, the displaced residents no longer have a home and lack access to respirators vital for their survival.

In addition to expressing condolences to the victims and their families, the Latin Patriarchate condemned the attack as a senseless tragedy. The patriarchate expressed bewilderment at how such an attack could be carried out, particularly during the Christmas season.

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services, who also serves as the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, responded to the tragic news from Gaza with great sadness and horror. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the release of hostages, and earnest negotiations towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Echoing the sentiments of Pope Francis, Archbishop Broglio emphasized that war is never the answer but always a defeat.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, president of the bishops’ conference of England and Wales, expressed his heartbreak upon receiving the news from Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem. Cardinal Nichols assured Cardinal Pizzaballa of the prayers of Catholics in England and Wales and called upon people of faith and goodwill to continue praying for an end to the conflict.

News of the attack on innocent civilians came a day after Israel faced mounting criticism for its conduct in the war against Hamas, following the mistaken shooting and killing of three Israeli hostages by IDF soldiers. Israeli military officials reported that two of the hostages were shot and killed immediately, while the third, who was wounded, ran back and cried for help in Hebrew before succumbing to his injuries. The IDF did not provide a specific reason why the hostages, who were dressed in civilian clothes and waving a white flag, were perceived as a threat.

Although the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has faced criticism for the deaths of thousands of civilians, Israel has attributed civilian casualties to Hamas, claiming that the group uses people as human shields. The Times of Israel reported on December 12 that over 18,000 Palestinians have died since the start of the war on October 27, with more than 7,000 of those killed identified as Hamas militants by the IDF.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, met on December 16 with a delegation of the Arab League and several ambassadors in the region, including those from Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, and Egypt. The Vatican expressed its concern about the situation in Israel and Palestine, calling for humanitarian aid access in Gaza and reiterating Pope Francis’ frequent appeals for a ceasefire. Cardinal Parolin emphasized the urgent need for the full implementation of the two-state solution and a special, internationally guaranteed status for the city of Jerusalem to achieve lasting peace in the region.

.