The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, overseeing Catholic Churches in the region, reported that two women were shot and killed by an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) sniper inside the Holy Family Parish in Gaza. The victims, a mother and daughter seeking refuge, were walking to the Sister’s Convent. Tragically, one was killed while attempting to carry the other to safety. The majority of Christian families in Gaza have sought shelter in the parish since the onset of the conflict.
In addition to the fatal incident, seven others were shot and wounded, and the attack targeted the Convent of the Sisters of Mother Theresa, which houses 54 disabled individuals. The IDF’s actions caused extensive damage, rendering the convent uninhabitable by destroying the generator, fuel resources, solar panels, and water tanks.
The Latin Patriarchate emphasized that the attack occurred within the parish premises, where no belligerents were present, and no warning or notification was given. The IDF has not yet commented on the incident. The patriarchate’s statement follows previous reports of worsening conditions for those seeking refuge in the church amid the ongoing conflict. The Latin Patriarchate
On November 15, UK lawmaker Layla Moran informed the UK House of Commons that a family member who had sought shelter in the church had died. Moran further detailed distressing conditions, including the stoppage of electricity generators at the church. According to her family’s accounts, there were reports of white phosphorous use and gunfire directed at the compound. Moran also mentioned that the bin collector and janitor had been shot, with their bodies remaining uncollected.
It’s crucial to note that CNN cannot independently verify the reported conditions within and around the church or substantiate the allegation of the use of incendiary munitions. The situation highlights the challenges in obtaining accurate information amid conflict zones, and such reports underscore the urgent need for international attention and investigation into the circumstances surrounding the conflict in Gaza.