An Israeli shell struck the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to ten others, including the parish priest. The church was a shelter for hundreds of people, including both Christians and Muslims. In response to the attack, Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate ceasefire and expressed profound hope for peace in the region. The casualties included a 60-year-old janitor and an 84-year-old woman, both connected to the church. Eyewitnesses condemned the violent act as brutal and unjustified.
In a telegram of condolences for the victims, Leo expressed "his profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation and enduring peace in the region." The pope said he was "deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack, and expressed his closeness to the wounded priest, Rev. Gabriel Romanelli, and the entire parish.
Hundreds of people sheltered at the church, including Christians and Muslims, many of whom are vulnerable children with disabilities, according to the acting director of Al-Ahli Hospital.
Shady Abu Dawood described the scene, stating, "We were struck in the church while all the people there were elders, innocent people and children. We love peace and call for it, and this is a brutal, unjustified act."
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