An Israel Defense Forces investigation concluded that the strike on the Holy Family Parish compound on July 17 was the result of an accidental mortar round that veered off course during “operational activity” by IDF troops in the area of Gaza City, the IDF said in a July 23 statement.
Christ is not absent from Gaza, but crucified in the wounded, patriarchs say after visit
Amid the destruction witnessed during their July 18–20 pastoral visit to Gaza, following the Israeli shelling of the Holy Family Parish church compound that killed three people and injured 10, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III said they found something more enduring — “the dignity of the human spirit.”
Patriarch’s visit hailed ‘a miracle,’ while parishioners in Gaza feel horror, desperation
Parishioners of Gaza’s Holy Family Church are feeling “horror” and almost a sense of “desperation” after an Israeli tank shell struck the church, killing three elderly people sheltering there and injuring 10, said regional director of the Jerusalem office of Catholic Near East Welfare Association, or CNEWA, Joseph Hazboun.
Huckabee demands Israel punish settlers for ‘act of terror’ on West Bank church
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called the desecration of any holy place an “act of terror” and a “crime” that required “harsh consequences,” following a visit to the West Bank village of Taybeh.
Three dead, Holy Family Gaza pastor injured after mid-morning Israeli attack
Two people were confirmed dead and several were injured, including a parish pastor, following what initial reports say was a mid-morning Israeli tank attack on the Holy Family Parish Church in Gaza on July 17.
Patriarchs support Christian communities attacked by Israeli settlers in solidarity visit
During a solidarity visit to the West Bank village of Taybeh on July 14, the Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of the Holy Land called on Israeli authorities to hold extremist settlers accountable for escalating attacks on agricultural lands and holy sites.
Jerusalem patriarch, back in Holy Land, reflects on conclave, ‘inconceivable’ Gaza situation
The importance of continuity and diversity as well as the issues of war and peace were a main topic of conversation for the 133 cardinals as they gathered to vote in the conclave May 7-8, said Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem.
Francis’ final gift to Gaza: Popemobile will be transformed into mobile clinic for children
With the declining situation in Gaza always in his heart, in his final months, Pope Francis bequeathed his popemobile to Caritas Jerusalem and directed the agency to turn it into a mobile health station for the children in Gaza.
4,000 process in Jerusalem for Palm Sunday amid Israeli bombardment of Gaza
For the second year in a row, few foreign pilgrims were in attendance at the traditional Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives into the Old City of Jerusalem due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. But even the gray skies that threatened rain didn’t dampen the spirit of the 4,000 participants.
Tens of thousands of Israelis line streets for funeral procession for Bibas family
Tens of thousands of mourners Feb. 26 lined the streets as the funeral procession for Shiri Bibas and her two children, Ariel and Kfir, made its way nearly 40 miles from Rishon Lezion in central Israel to Tsoher Regional Cemetery in southern Israel.
Israel devastated by ‘macabre’ return of child hostages’ bodies as ceasefire holds
Israel has identified three of the bodies of hostages returned Feb. 20 but said the body of Shiri Bibas — mother of two red-headed boys who became a symbol of Israeli hostage suffering, both confirmed dead — was not returned as promised by Hamas.
Pilgrimages are ‘safe,’ Holy Land church leaders say, telling pilgrims: ‘We’re waiting for you’
Catholic leaders in the Holy Land called on Christian pilgrims to return to the region following the implementation of the long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.