Deir Al-Balah, July 17: An Israeli shell hit the compound of Gaza’s only Catholic church, the Holy Family Catholic Church, killing two people and wounding several others. The attack damaged the church compound, where hundreds of Palestinians have been sheltering from the war. Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, expressing his deep sorrow over the damage and the loss of life and injury.
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem said the Holy Family Church was sheltering 600 displaced people, including many children and 54 people with disabilities. The Israeli Foreign Ministry posted an apology on social media, while Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni blamed Israel for the strike on the church. The strikes come as Israel and Hamas continue talks for a ceasefire in Gaza, but little progress has been made. (AP)
