The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem Denounces Targeting of Civilians in Israel-Hamas Conflict
Amidst the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has voiced strong condemnation for the recent Israeli raid on the Holy Family School in Gaza City. The attack, which took place on Sunday morning, resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals.
The air strike specifically targeted two classrooms on the ground floor of the school, where numerous displaced Palestinian families had sought refuge. Tragically, among the casualties was Ihab al-Ghusain, a senior Hamas administration official and the group’s deputy labour minister.
Israeli military officials claim that the school complex was being used as a militant hideout and housed a Hamas weapons manufacturing facility. They stated that precautions were taken to minimize harm to civilians in the vicinity.
Previous Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure
This assault on the Catholic school comes on the heels of another Israeli attack on a UN-run school the day before, where at least 16 people were killed and 75 others injured. These incidents have sparked outrage and concern from various humanitarian organizations, including the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
Throughout the conflict in the Gaza Strip, thousands of Palestinian civilians have sought shelter in hospitals, schools, and other civilian structures. However, Israeli authorities accuse Hamas and other militants of using these locations as cover for their operations.
Appeal for an End to the Bloodshed
In a statement, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem vehemently denounced the targeting of non-combatants and called for greater efforts to ensure that civilians are kept out of harm’s way. The organization continues to pray for a swift resolution to the violence and humanitarian crisis in the region.
A Call for the Protection of Innocent Lives
Recent incidents like the raid on the Holy Family School serve as a grim reminder of the toll that conflict takes on civilian populations. Pope Francis, the Holy See, and the United Nations have all highlighted the importance of safeguarding innocent lives and preserving civilian infrastructure during times of war.
The Holy Land Justice and Peace Commission has also spoken out against the disproportionate use of force and the loss of civilian lives in the conflict. As the death toll rises on both sides, there is a growing urgency for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
