CMEP Condemns Attack on Gaza’s Holy Family Catholic Church, Calls for Immediate Ceasefire and Protection of All Civilians and Religious Sites
Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) denounces in the strongest possible terms the Israeli military attack today on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City, the only Catholic church in Gaza. The strike killed at least three civilians and caused extensive damage to the parish complex, which has been sheltering approximately 700 displaced civilians, mostly children, since the beginning of the war.
This horrific attack marks the sixth assault on Christian churches in Gaza since October 2023. The Holy Family Church has previously been targeted by an Israeli airstrike and by sniper fire that killed two Christian women in its courtyard. Targeting a holy site and humanitarian refuge is a blatant violation of international law, an assault on human dignity, and an egregious desecration of a place of worship that should be a sanctuary at all times, especially in times of war.
CMEP elevates and affirms the statement from the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which expressed its “deepest condemnation and denunciation of the strike that targeted the Catholic Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City. This strike caused extensive damage and casualties to the parish complex, endangering the lives of innocent people, especially those with special needs and displaced persons seeking safe shelter within the church.”
His Holiness Pope Leo also lamented this tragedy, saying:
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza. I assure the parish community of my spiritual closeness. I commend the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, and pray for their families and the injured. I renew my call for an immediate ceasefire. Only dialogue and reconciliation can ensure enduring peace!”
CMEP calls on the United States government, the international community, and all parties to the conflict to immediately implement a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire. We urge leaders to ensure the protection of civilians, religious sites, and humanitarian centers and to uphold international humanitarian law, which strictly prohibits the targeting of civilians and houses of worship. In addition, urgent humanitarian assistance must be provided to all those displaced, and especially those injured by this attack.
We join the Patriarchate in affirming that churches are spiritual and humanitarian beacons that serve all without discrimination. CMEP urges faith communities worldwide to raise their voices for justice, protection of life, and an end to this devastating war. Children and the most vulnerable suffer the worst consequences of the more than 650 days of violence and killing.
Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire community of Gaza. May peace come quickly and wisdom triumph over the machine of war, and may the voice of mercy prevail over the din of fire.
The full statement by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem is available here.