Gaza – The Holy Family Catholic Church, a sanctuary of peace and hope amidst the rubble of Gaza, was deliberately targeted and bombed by Israeli forces, according to eyewitnesses. The church, where nuns from Mother Teresa’s order care for disabled children and priests lead prayers for peace, had served as a final refuge for those who had nowhere else to go. In the last 24 hours, this refuge was shattered—three unarmed civilians were killed and several others injured and critically wounded, including the priest.
Despite Pope Francis personally praying with refugees inside the church before his death, and despite repeated calls for a ceasefire, Israel continues its campaign of destruction across Gaza. The church had been considered one of the few remaining safe havens, but it was targeted by tank fire—an act described by witnesses as deliberate and intentional.
This assault is part of a wider campaign. In the past 24 hours alone, Israel has killed between 50 and 53 Palestinians. Meanwhile, civilians are being systematically starved—a violation of international law—according to multiple human rights organizations, including the United Nations.
We are watching a massacre in plain sight, and the world cannot remain silent.
We call on:
- The United Nations to urgently intervene and protect the Palestinian people.
- President Trump and the U.S. Congress to immediately halt all military aid to Israel, which is being used to carry out mass atrocities.
- Pope Leo, the Catholic Church, all parishioners, and all Christian leaders around the world to raise their voices in defense of the innocent and uphold the sanctity of life.
- Jewish brothers and sisters of conscience to speak out and pressure the Israeli government to end this slaughter carried out falsely in their name.
- The global media to investigate and report on the ongoing ethnic cleansing in Palestine with the same rigor and visibility afforded to other global crises.
We are grateful for the many Jewish allies who are bravely standing on the frontlines of the fight for justice for Palestinians. Their courage gives hope.
We appeal to all people of conscience—of every faith, nationality, and background—to stand now. This is no longer a political issue—it is a human one. The time for statements has passed. It is time for action.
Justice delayed is justice denied. Those responsible for these crimes must be held accountable.
End the killing. End the starvation. End the silence.