Israeli army sniper kills mother and daughter inside RCC convent in Gaza

The RCC's Holy Family Parish in Gaza. Photo: edition.cnn.com

On December 16, 2023, an Israeli army sniper shot and killed a mother and daughter on the premises of the Catholic monastery of the Holy Family Parish in Gaza, according to CNN, citing the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

According to representatives of the Catholic Church, the mother and daughter were walking towards the Holy Family female monastery when gunfire erupted. “One was killed as she tried to carry the other to safety,” representatives of the Catholic Church said.

Additionally, seven more people were shot and wounded while attempting to aid the two women who had been shot.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which oversees Catholic Churches across Cyprus, Jordan, Israel, Gaza and the West Bank, emphasizes that the monastery complex is home to a large number of Christian families from Gaza who have taken refuge there since the outbreak of the war.

“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 statement said.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that hundreds of people had died following an Israeli strike on a Baptist hospital in Gaza.

Read also

UOC Hierarch: The Church Does Not Endorse 'Holy War' Concept

"The assertion that the so-called 'special military operation' is a 'Holy War' contradicts the basic principles of Christian morality," Metr. Yevlohiy said.

Georgian Bishops Finalize Procedures for Patriarchal Election

Head of public relations for the Georgian Church says bishops finalized election procedures while emphasizing unity ahead of the patriarchal council.

SVS Press Releases New Volume by St. Maximus the Confessor

The publisher's new St. Maximus volume explores the theological foundations of Orthodox Christology and the defense of Chalcedon.

Abp. Daniel Announces Synodal Clergy Awards in Chicago Diocese

The Orthodox Church in America's Synodal awards recognized clergy across multiple ranks for dedicated service in the Midwestern diocese.

Registration Opens for First OCA-Wide Clergy Wives Retreat

The Orthodox Church in America’s first churchwide clergy wives retreat aims to strengthen ministry families through prayer, fellowship, and renewal.

Kimberly Guilfoyle Meets Ecumenical Patriarch in Athens

Kimberly Guilfoyle’s meeting with Patr. Bartholomew highlighted support for religious freedom and the global mission of the Orthodox Church.