In the Gaza Stripthey have died killed 58,667 Palestinians Since October 7, 2023, according to figures from the Gazatí Ministry of Health. But not all of them the world will know his name, neither his history, nor the circumstances of his death. However, since Thursday, beyond the Gazati borders, the names of Saad Isa Kostandi Salameh, Foumia Isa Latif Ayyad y Najwa Abu Daoud They have been heard. Precisely because they died in a Israeli attack on the only Catholic Church of the enclave. During these 21 months, Israeli Prime Minister, Binyamine Netanyahuhe has barely commented on the specificities of the bombings of his troops, but this time he has pronounced, to the point of calling Pope Leo XIV This Friday.
This has been confirmed by the Vatican. During the call with Netanyahu, a day after the attack against the only Catholic Church of Gaza – to which his predecessor Francisco He called every night until his death – the Pontiff has reiterated his Call to Alto El Fuego and at the end of the war in the enclave, according to a statement from the Holy See. In turn, he “expressed his concern for the tragic humanitarian situation of the population of Gaza, whose children, the elderly and patients are paying an agonizing price. ”“ Finally, the Holy Father reiterated the urgent need for protect places of worship And, especially, to the faithful and all people in Palestine e Israel”, Concludes the statement.
Not to mention Israel
“It saddens me to find out about the loss of lives and the injured caused by the military attack on the Catholic Church of the Sagrada Familia In Gaza, ”Pope León was tweeted on Thursday afternoon with a message on his social networks.” I reiterate my call to a high immediate fire. Only the dialogue and the reconciliation They can guarantee lasting peace! ”, He added. Many recriminated the pontiff not having mentioned the author of this military attack, which is the Israeli army. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office has issued a statement “deeply regretting that lost ammunition will impact the Church. “” Every innocent lost life is a tragedy, we share the pain of families and the faithful, “he said, while thanking the Pope” his words of comfort. “
In addition, he added that They are investigating the incident and “they maintain their commitment to protect civilians and sacred places.” At the beginning of the year, the Gazatí Ministry of Religious Affairs denounced that, only during 2024, more than 960 mosques They were damaged by Israeli attacks. Others 815 Islamic sacred places They were totally destroyed and 151 were partially damaged, with reconstruction costs estimated at 500 million dollars. Only two weeks after the start of the war, the Israeli army bombed a Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza that housed displaced. The Vatican lamented the death of 17 Christians, including 10 of the same family.
Wounded pastor
Nor is this the first time that Catholic Church of the Sagrada Familia De Gaza is attacked. In December 2023, two women were killed by Israeli shots in the church enclosure. Just a year ago, in July 2024, an Israeli bombing killed four people who took refuge in the Catholic School of the sacred family, including the Vice Minister of Palestinian Labor, Ihab al ghussein. This Thursday another bombing reached the church, killing three people and hurting a dozen. Among fatal victims, is the concierge from the 60 -year -old parish, and an 84 woman who was receiving psychosocial support Inside a store Caritas In the church enclosure, according to the organization.
Among the injured, is the parish priest of the Church, the Father Gabriel Romanelli. A verified video shows the priest with the right leg bandada, but otherwise in good condition. Another wounded is in serious condition. The photos published by the Church show that the roof was reached near the Main Crossburning the stone facade, and that the windows broke. For more than 21 months, the churches, just like Gaza’s schools and hospitals, have become a place of refuge for the population necessarily displaced by Israeli violence.
Help and comfort entry
“The inhabitants of the Sagrada Familia complex found a sanctuaryhoping that the horrors of war at least will save them lifeafter their homes, possessions and dignity would have already been taken away, ”said the Latin patriarchy of Jerusalem In a statement after condemning the deadly attack. A day after the bombing, the Israeli authorities have allowed the cardinal Pierbatte pizzaballathe highest -ranking Catholic official in Jerusalem, to enter Gaza to bring humanitarian aid and comfort to the victims of the attack.
For its part, the Israeli army has said that they were “aware of the reports on the damage caused to the Church of the Sagrada Familia in the city of Gaza and the victims in the place”, and that the “circumstances of the incident are under review”. In turn, the Foreign Ministry has expressed “deep regret for the damages” suffered by the Church and added that “Israel never attacks Iglesias the religious places and regrets any damage to a religious place or civilians not involved. ”The attacks against the Palestinian enclave have not stopped, killing more than 26 personasincluding six humanitarian aid applicants.
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