Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem accuses Israel Defense Forces of targeting only Catholic parish in Gaza, killing two women

JERUSALEM — In a shocking incident that has drawn condemnation from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, two Christian women were killed and several others injured in targeted attacks on Holy Family parish in Gaza by the Israeli military. The Latin Patriarchate expressed particular concern as the violence unfolded just days before Christmas.

According to a statement released on Saturday, 16 December, by the Patriarchate, a sniper from the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) killed two Christian women, identified as Nahida and Samar, inside the Holy Family parish. The majority of Gaza’s Christian families, numbering some 600 people, have sought refuge in the parish since the outbreak of the war.

The victims, a mother and daughter, were allegedly shot without warning or notification. The statement revealed that one of the women was killed while attempting to rescue the other. Seven additional individuals were also shot and wounded as they sought protection within the church compound.

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— Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem (@LPJerusalem) December 16, 2023

The Patriarchate’s statement outlined a series of attacks on the church and convent, including a shell from an IDF tank targeting the Missionaries of Charity convent, founded by Mother Teresa. The convent, part of the church compound and home to 54 disabled individuals, suffered significant damage, with its generator, fuel stores, and the building itself destroyed in the attack.

Furthermore, the statement reported that two more IDF tank shells targeted the same convent, rendering it uninhabitable. The disabled persons residing there are now displaced, lacking access to essential equipment such as respirators that some require for survival.

Additional casualties were reported on Friday night when three people were wounded inside the church compound due to heavy bombing in the area. Solar panels and water tanks, crucial for the survival of the community, were also destroyed in the attacks.

Expressing solidarity with the affected families, the Patriarchate stated, “Together in prayer with the whole Christian community, we express our closeness and condolences to the families affected by this senseless tragedy.” The statement conveyed bewilderment at the attack, especially as the entire Church prepares for Christmas.

The Latin Patriarchate assured believers that they are closely monitoring the situation and pledged to provide more information as developments unfold.

Pope Francis, in daily contact with Holy Family parish, remains engaged in the situation, while the parish’s pastor, Father Gabriel Romanelli, has been unable to return to Gaza.

This tragic incident follows a previous bombing on the 12th-century Saint Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza, where 18 people were killed.