Gaza, July 18 (V7N) – The death toll from an Israeli attack on Gaza’s only Catholic church, the Holy Family Church, has risen to three, according to reports by Al Jazeera. The attack occurred early on Thursday (July 17) and is part of a broader Israeli military offensive that has left at least 56 people dead across the besieged Palestinian enclave in a single day.

The Gaza Health Ministry stated that since the war began on October 7, 2023, Israeli strikes have killed nearly 58,700 people and injured 139,974 others.

The Holy Family Church, a site historically in contact with the late Pope Francis, was hit by shells reportedly fired from Israeli tanks, according to international media. The blast caused significant structural damage and civilian casualties. A parish priest was among the injured in the attack.

Religious and residential sites were among the primary targets on Thursday, heightening concerns over violations of international humanitarian law.

The attack has sparked international condemnation, particularly from Western countries. Italy has called for an immediate halt to Israeli aggression in Gaza, and the United States has also issued a strong rebuke of the strike on the church, a move seen as rare amid Washington’s typical alignment with Israeli policy.

Humanitarian organizations and religious leaders around the world have renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of places of worship and civilians, as Gaza’s already devastated infrastructure continues to collapse under sustained attacks.

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