Israeli military strikes in the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of at least 22 people, including two individuals who perished in an attack on the Holy Family Church. This church has historical significance, having been frequented by the late Pope Francis. The violence unfolded amidst ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Doha, where mediators from Qatar and Egypt, supported by the United States, have been attempting to broker a truce.
Among the casualties were eight men tasked with protecting aid trucks. A U.S. official indicated that talks were progressing well, yet officials from the Palestinian militant group Hamas reported no breakthroughs as Israeli airstrikes continued.
On Thursday, a man and a woman died, and several others sustained injuries due to what the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem termed “an apparent strike by the Israeli army” on the church. The Patriarchate expressed its sorrow, stating, “We pray that their souls rest (in peace) and for an end to this barbaric war. Nothing can justify the targeting of innocent civilians.” The church’s roof was visibly damaged, with images showing shattered windows and scorched stone.
Father Gabriele Romanelli, an Argentine priest who had communicated regularly with Pope Francis regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, was lightly injured in the strike. Footage showed him receiving treatment at Al-Ahly Hospital in Gaza with a bandage on his leg. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the ongoing attacks, asserting, “The attacks against the civilian population that Israel has been carrying out for months are unacceptable.”
The Vatican also expressed its sorrow, stating that Pope Francis was “deeply saddened” by the loss of life and reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) acknowledged reports of casualties and stated they were reviewing the incident. The IDF claimed it makes “every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and civilian structures, including religious sites, and regrets any damage caused to them.”
The ongoing military campaign by Israel aims to eliminate Hamas in Gaza, which commenced after a deadly attack by the group on October 7, 2023. This conflict has led to severe humanitarian crises, including widespread hunger in the densely populated enclave. According to Palestinian medics, one airstrike on Thursday killed a man, his wife, and their five children in Jabalia, while another strike in northern Gaza killed eight men responsible for safeguarding aid delivery.
Further casualties were reported in central and eastern Gaza, with three individuals killed in an airstrike in central Gaza and four in the Zeitoun area. The overall toll of the conflict has surpassed 58,000 Palestinian fatalities, as per Gaza health authorities. Meanwhile, Israeli tallies indicate that around 1,650 Israelis and foreign nationals have lost their lives since the conflict began, including approximately 1,200 killed in the October 7 attack.
As the diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire continue, discussions have included a proposed $60 million truce, which would involve the return of ten hostages held in Gaza, along with the bodies of 18 others over 60 days, in exchange for the release of detained Palestinians. The exact number of Palestinians to be released remains unclear.
On Wednesday, Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Middle East envoy, remarked that negotiations for a ceasefire were proceeding positively. However, a Palestinian official close to the discussions dismissed these optimistic comments as lacking substance, highlighting the ongoing complexities of the situation.
The conflict in Gaza remains a focal point of international concern, with urgent calls for resolution and humanitarian assistance growing louder amidst the escalating violence.
