Christian leaders make rare visit to Gaza following deadly Israeli church attack

Two high-ranking Christian leaders visited Gaza’s only Catholic church on Friday, one day after an Israeli airstrike killed three people there. The visit marks a rare moment of solidarity in the war-torn territory, where access remains tightly restricted.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Theophilos III, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, entered Gaza to support the Christian community. They brought food and medical aid, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem confirmed in a statement.

“The two Patriarchs expressed the shared pastoral concern of the Churches of the Holy Land,” the statement read. They also ensured that the wounded from Thursday’s attack would be taken outside Gaza for medical treatment.

The church has become a sanctuary during the ongoing conflict, sheltering Gaza’s small Christian population and other civilians.

Israel has acknowledged the deadly strike, blaming it on stray ammunition. In a public statement, Israel said it “deeply regrets” the incident and that an investigation is in progress.

Pope Leo also responded to the attack. On Friday, he spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Pope emphasized the need to protect all places of worship and urged both sides to reach a ceasefire.

He also voiced alarm over the worsening humanitarian situation. “The heartbreaking price is paid especially by children, the elderly and the sick,” the Vatican said in a statement.

Netanyahu’s office confirmed the call and expressed “Israel’s regret for the tragic incident.” He offered his “heartfelt condolences” to the families of the victims.

The attack sparked international outrage, even from Israel’s strongest allies. The United States, a key supporter, joined in condemning the strike. The timing was especially sensitive, as the war in Gaza continues with no pause in fighting.

According to Gaza’s health ministry, nearly 59,000 people have died since the conflict began. Ceasefire talks remain at a standstill.

The Catholic and Orthodox leaders’ visit offered a brief moment of compassion in a region suffering deep trauma. But the decision to evacuate only the wounded from the church has raised tough questions.

Dr. Fadl Naim, Director of Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza, criticized the move on social media.

“Is it an attempt to polish the image of the occupation, or a discriminatory act — treating the wounded differently based on religion?” he posted on X.

He added: “What about the tens of thousands of injured Palestinians who are denied their basic right to travel for treatment?”

Christian leaders did not respond directly to Naim’s comments. But their visit underscored the growing concern for Gaza’s civilians, especially vulnerable groups with no access to medical care.

Pizzaballa and Theophilos entered Gaza despite the risk and difficulty. Their visit marks a strong statement of faith, compassion, and shared grief amid ongoing violence.

Their aid delivery also highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis. With food and medical supplies dwindling, many in Gaza lack even the most basic support.

As the church continues to shelter dozens of families, its role as a refuge becomes more critical by the day.

International calls for a ceasefire are growing louder, but progress has been slow. Meanwhile, civilians Christian and Muslim alike continue to pay the price of war.

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