War in the Middle East - Catholics in Gaza: Israeli army attacks monastery and church - two dead
An Israeli army sniper has shot dead two women in the Gaza Strip, according to a Catholic church. A woman and her daughter, who had sought protection in the church, were killed "in cold blood", the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem announced on Saturday.
The sniper shot them on the grounds of the parish, "where there are no warring parties" and where most Christian families were seeking refuge from the fighting. The woman had been killed while trying to get the other to safety. Israel's army had not issued a warning beforehand. Seven other people were injured by the fire.
In addition to the attack, several shells from Israeli tanks also hit a monastery on the church grounds, where more than 50 people with disabilities lived. The building is no longer habitable due to the damage caused by an explosion and a fire. The people had been displaced, including some who needed ventilators to survive.
British MPs concerned about family in Gaza
When asked, Israel's army did not initially comment on the allegations, which could not be independently verified.
A British MP told the BBC news channel that relatives of hers were seeking shelter in the church along with hundreds of other civilians. Her family had no access to food and water and were "a few days away from death", said Layla Moran. After contacting her family on social media, she described the situation as "terrible". Two church employees had been shot dead and their bodies were lying in front of the church, Moran wrote on X.
Update: a tank has taken position outside the church and the building opposite has been taken. The people inside have died. There are snipers at every window pointing into the church. Still shooting anyone emerging from buildings to use eg toilets. Still no food or water. https://t.co/4YOSUIxcMx
— Layla Moran 🔶 (@LaylaMoran) December 17, 2023
Around 2.2 million people lived in the Gaza Strip before the war began. The population is almost exclusively Muslim. According to the church, less than one percent of the population is Christian.
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- The situation in Gaza has also prompted concern from British politicians, with MP Layla Moran stating that her relatives are seeking shelter in the church, where they are running out of food and water.
- Despite the presence of civilians, including disabled individuals, in the church and monastery in Gaza, Israeli forces have reportedly launched attacks, killing two church employees and causing significant damage to the buildings.
- In response to the escalating conflict in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, the Catholic Church has called for international intervention to protect civilians and cease hostilities, expressing concern over the safety of Christian communities in the volatile region.
Source: www.stern.de
