Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem Alleges IDF Bombing of Church Compound: 2 Christian Women Killed, Convent Damaged

Accident – death – Obituary News : **Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem Releases Images of Alleged Bombing of Church Compound**

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has recently shared photographs of the church compound that Christian leaders claim was targeted by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). These images shed light on the alleged bombing and provide evidence to support the claims made by the Christian community.

In a letter published by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, last week, it was alleged that two Christian women were shot, and a convent was bombed by the IDF at Holy Family Parish in Gaza. However, IDF spokespersons have vehemently refuted these assertions, stating that the claims do not align with their initial review, which found that the IDF troopers were targeting Hamas spotters in enemy lookouts.

To strengthen their claims, the patriarchate took to social media on Monday to display some of the photographs they received. These images were reportedly captured by Christians present in the convent during the alleged attack, providing firsthand evidence of the incident.

The release of these images coincided with the acknowledgement of the accusations by White House officials. Both the Latin Patriarchate and the Holy See had raised concerns about the violence directed towards the Holy Family Church. National Security Council Coordinator Jack Kirby stated that the White House is closely monitoring the distressing reports emerging from the church compound.

Kirby specifically mentioned the patriarch’s claims of two women being shot by an IDF sniper while inside the Holy Family Church complex. He expressed condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and emphasized the need for safe evacuation and appropriate medical treatment for the wounded.

It is important to note that the National Security Council spokesman clarified that there is no evidence suggesting that the alleged attacks were intentional acts aimed at killing civilians. The United States has raised concerns about the incident with the Israeli government, urging them to address the situation and ensure the safety of those affected.

According to Pizzaballa’s urgent Saturday letter, the victims, identified as Nahida and her daughter Samar, were shot and killed as they attempted to seek refuge in the Sisters’ Convent. The IDF’s response to the U.S. communications highlighted that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

In addition to the reported casualties, several other Christian parishioners were allegedly injured in the attack. Pizzaballa claimed that the attack was unprovoked and without warning, despite the absence of combatants within the church complex. Seven more individuals were shot and wounded while trying to protect others inside the compound.

The Holy Family Church holds great significance as the only Catholic Church in the Gaza Strip and one of the last remaining Christian communities in the region. The parish compound also serves as the home for the Missionaries of Charity, an order of female religious members founded by Mother Teresa, dedicated to caring for the sick and disabled.

Pizzaballa reported that during the assault, a rocket fired from an Israeli tank struck the nuns’ convent, causing significant damage. This disrupted the operations of the Missionaries of Charity, affecting approximately 54 disabled civilians residing in the compound. The destruction of the building’s generator and fuel resources further exacerbated the situation.

The reports of the alleged attack have evoked outrage within the Vatican. Pope Francis, in an Angelus address, expressed his deep concern and sadness over the situation, emphasizing that unarmed civilians, including families, children, and individuals with disabilities, are becoming targets for bombs and gunfire.

The IDF continues to deny the allegations. They maintain that an initial review of the incident revealed that Hamas terrorists launched a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) at IDF troops from the vicinity of the Latin Church in Shejaya. In response to this threat, the IDF troops fired towards the spotters responsible for guiding the attacks, resulting in confirmed hits.

As the investigation into this incident continues, it is crucial to gather all the available evidence to determine the truth behind the alleged bombing of the church compound. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem’s release of these images provides valuable insights and calls for a thorough examination of the events that unfolded..