GAZA CITY: Over 90 Palestinians were killed in the last 24 hours during Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip, according to local health authorities. The escalating violence included airstrikes that hit civilian areas, including a Catholic church compound where at least three people were killed and ten others wounded.
The ongoing war, now in its tenth month, continues to exact a devastating toll on Gaza’s population. Medical facilities, religious sites, and aid distribution points have all come under fire. International condemnation is mounting, particularly after the targeting of the only Catholic church in the enclave.
Dozens Killed While Seeking Aid
Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported that more than 90 people were killed during the latest Israeli attacks, many of them while seeking humanitarian aid. Among the victims were women, children, and elderly residents, according to emergency workers and doctors on the ground.
Witnesses said that multiple airstrikes targeted areas near aid distribution points in central and southern Gaza. Videos shared by local journalists showed bodies scattered on the streets and wounded civilians being rushed to overcrowded hospitals.
“These are people who were lining up for food, water, or medicine,” said Dr. Ayman Al-Dahdouh from Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. “Instead, they were met with missiles.”
The Israeli military claimed the strikes targeted Hamas fighters and accused the group of operating in civilian areas. However, independent observers and aid organizations say the attacks hit areas far from any known militant infrastructure.
In Rafah and Deir al-Balah, entire residential blocks were reduced to rubble overnight. Families were seen searching through debris for loved ones as rescue teams tried to reach survivors buried under collapsed buildings.
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Catholic Church Struck, Drawing Global Outrage
Among the most controversial incidents was the bombing of the Holy Family Catholic Church compound in Gaza City — the only Catholic church in the territory. At least three people, including a nun and two worshippers, were confirmed dead, and ten others were seriously wounded.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned the attack, calling it “a flagrant violation of international law and the sanctity of religious sites.” Church officials said the compound had been housing dozens of displaced Christian families and posed no military threat.
“Targeting a place of worship is beyond unacceptable,” said Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, head of the Catholic Church in Jerusalem. “This attack is not just on Christians but on the basic principles of humanity.”
The Vatican also issued a rare statement urging Israel to respect international humanitarian law. Pope Francis has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of all civilians, especially religious minorities in Gaza.
The Israeli military did not comment on the specific strike but reiterated that its operations aimed to eliminate Hamas infrastructure. Critics say such statements are being used to justify indiscriminate bombings that violate the laws of armed conflict.
Mounting Civilian Toll Prompts Renewed Calls for Ceasefire
The rising death toll from Israeli attacks has reignited calls from international organizations, rights groups, and governments for an immediate ceasefire. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “catastrophic and worsening by the day.”
The latest wave of attacks brings the total Palestinian death toll to over 38,000, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. More than 70% of the victims are believed to be women and children.
“These are not military victories. These are human tragedies,” said Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council. “Every day this war continues, more innocent lives are lost.”
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire remain stalled. Talks mediated by Qatar and Egypt have failed to produce results as both sides continue to exchange demands.
For the people of Gaza, each day of war means more funerals, fewer places to hide, and diminishing hope. The latest Israeli attacks, including strikes on those seeking aid and on places of worship, highlight the urgent need for a negotiated peace and protection of civilians under international law.
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