IDF Sniper Incident at Gaza Church: Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem's Report
Tragic incident in Gaza church as two women lose their lives while en route to the Sister's Convent The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem confirms the unfortunate event, with seven others also injured in the shooting Heartbreaking news for the community
On Saturday, two women were shot and killed by an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) sniper inside the Holy Family Parish in Gaza, as reported by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The patriarchate, which supervises Catholic Churches in Cyprus, Jordan, Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank, stated that most Christian families in Gaza have sought shelter inside the parish since the commencement of the war.
Two females, identified as a mother and her daughter, were on their way to the Sisters Convent when the attack occurred, resulting in the death of one woman as she attempted to save the other. Additionally, seven individuals were injured by gunfire.
"No warning was given, no notification was provided," the statement continued.
"They were shot in cold blood inside the premises of the parish, where there are no belligerents."
The patriarchate reported that IDF tanks had targeted the Convent of the Sisters of Mother Theresa, home to 54 disabled individuals and part of the church's compound. The buildings only source of electricity, its generator, along with its fuel resources, solar panels and water tanks were also destroyed. The statement also mentioned that IDF rockets had rendered the convent "uninhabitable."
CNN has requested a comment from the IDF. UK lawmaker Layla Moran, who represents Oxford West and Abingdon, reported that her family members taking shelter in the church are "beyond desperate and terrified" as conditions deteriorate.
On November 15, Moran informed the UK House of Commons that a relative who had sought refuge in the church had passed away. According to her family's reports, Moran also mentioned that the generators providing electricity to the church had ceased to function.
"They have witnessed white phosphorous being used and gunfire directed at their enclosure," she stated. "Additionally, the bin collector and janitor have been shot, and their bodies are lying outside without being attended to."
CNN is unable to confirm the situation at the church or the reported use of incendiary munitions, which may be illegal in certain situations. This story is still developing and will be continuously updated.
