Middle East - Israeli army allegedly killed two women in a church
Israel's army has announced an investigation following allegations of the killing of two women who sought shelter in a church in the Gaza Strip. The army is examining the incident in detail, the military announced on Sunday evening in response to an inquiry. According to preliminary findings, Israeli troops had "identified a threat in the area of the church". The army would take allegations of damage against "sensitive places" and churches in particular extremely seriously - also in view of the fact that Christian communities are a minority in the Middle East.
According to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, an Israeli army sniper allegedly killed a woman and her daughter who had sought shelter in the church in Gaza "in cold blood". He shot them on the grounds of the church "where there are no combatants", according to a statement on Saturday. Israel's army had not issued a warning beforehand.
The army explained that the Patriarchate had previously described a "tragic incident" in the church in a letter. Church representatives had also contacted the army about explosions in the vicinity. There had been no mention of an attack on the church or of civilians being injured or killed.
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- The international community, including the United Nations, has repeatedly called on Israel to exercise restraint in its actions within the Palestinian territories, especially in the Gaza Strip, due to the ongoing conflicts and the vulnerability of civilians.
- TheGaza Strip, a densely populated area and a hotspot of conflicts, is home to numerous sensitive places, including churches, making the alleged incident a matter of significant concern beyond the local community.
- Women and children are disproportionately affected in these conflicts, with many experiencing trauma and loss, which is exacerbated by episodes like the one at the church in Gaza, underscoring the necessity for peace negotiations and international intervention.
- Military tactics such as the use of snipers in the Gaza Strip have been criticized by human rights organizations, citing concerns over excessive force and the protection of civilians, as demonstrated in the tragic incident that took place on church grounds.
- The Middle East peace process has been stalled for years, with repeated attempts to resolve conflicts failing, giving rise to a cycle of violence and violence-fueled radicalization, which poses a threat to regional stability and global security.
- In the midst of these conflicts, women and religious minorities in the Middle East, including Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, continue to bear the brunt of the tension, making the need for a comprehensive, long-term peace solution more urgent than ever.
Source: www.stern.de
