The Vatican City flag flies high on July 18 outside Holy Family Church in Gaza City, where three people were killed and 10 injured in an Israeli strike just a day earlier. The church has been a beacon of hope for the local community, offering education, food, and shelter to those in need.
Pope Francis’s daily phone calls to the church from April have elevated its profile worldwide. Holy Family has served as a refuge for about 7,000 people, including disabled children and individuals served by Mother Teresa’s order.
The US Catholic institutions and peace advocates condemned the strike, calling for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, and accountability. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret over the incident, describing it as an “accidental attack.”
However, experts worry about the future of the Catholic Church in Gaza and fading hope among Christian youth. The church has been struck by violence before, including a fatal sniper attack on two Christian women last year.
“It is actually very good to see the hierarchy of the church take position,” said Johnathan Kuttab, executive director of Friends of Sabeel North America. “The fact that the Holy Father was calling this particular church every single day probably gave people some measure of protection or safety.”
As the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza continues, humanitarian organizations are calling for an end to violence and a focus on protecting civilians. The Vatican remains in communication with local authorities and humanitarian agencies.
In the aftermath of the attack, Palestinian Catholics attended Mass at Holy Family Church, with Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa making a special visit. Suhail Abu Dawoud, a Palestinian Catholic who was injured in the strike, expressed gratitude for prayers and hope to start his life again soon.
Source: https://www.ncronline.org/news/holy-family-shelling-strikes-symbolic-and-humanitarian-nerve