Catholic leaders made a rare visit to Gaza after an Israeli strike destroyed the enclave's only church. The United Nations and Pope Leo condemned the strike, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized.

Jerusalem

Israel and Iran have agreed a ceasefire after a twelve day conflict. Meanwhile, Israel strikes in Gaza continue with the humanitarian crisis deepening.

Middle East Conflict

Catholic and Christian leaders were granted rare access to Gaza after its only Catholic church was destroyed in an Israeli strike, which resulted in two deaths and several injuries, including the parish priest. The incident was condemned by international figures, including the United Nations, the Catholic Church, and Pope Leo, who renewed calls for an end to the conflict.

Cardinal Pierre Battista Pizzabala, the highest Catholic representative in the region, called for an immediate end to the war and announced efforts to deliver hundreds of tons of food and medical aid to Gaza. The visit comes as aid agencies warn of a critical risk of famine, with local hospitals reporting numerous casualties from ongoing violence and residents protesting severe food shortages.

Catholic leaders visit Gaza after only Catholic church is destroyed

The White House said President Trump did not have a positive reaction to news of the strike and called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address it. It was also condemned by the United Nations and the Catholic Church, with the new pope, Leo, renewing his call for an end to the war. A visit to a congregation in crisis. Christian leaders were granted rare access to enter Gaza after its only Catholic church was shelled by Israel this week. Necessary to be here, as you said, physically, to show that you are not neglected, not forgotten. And we'll do everything in order to be always close to you and to support you. Hundreds of displaced Palestinians have sheltered on the grounds of the church since the start of the war. Two people were killed in the attack. The parish priest among the 10 wounded. Officials said the strike was an accident, expressing regret, but the highest representative of Catholics in the region, Cardinal Pierre Battista Pizzabala, called for an urgent end to the conflict. As soon as possible, it is time to stop this war, this nonsense and this tragedy that is unjustifiable. Until then, that war grinds on. And hunger is only getting worse, with aid agencies sounding the alarm over a critical risk of famine. Hospital sources say dozens of Palestinians were killed and wounded overnight in both Israeli strikes and while seeking aid. Hundreds took to the streets Friday protesting the lack of food. We go to sleep and wake up hungry. We want to eat, Mahmoud al-Qassas says. Find a solution. It's enough, he says. All of them are hungry. All of them here are hungry and want to eat. The Christian leaders say they've secured access for the delivery of hundreds of tons of food and medical aid into Gaza, both for the church and anyone else who needs it. Cardinal Pizzabala plans to stay in Gaza until tomorrow to work on the delivery of that aid.

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Catholic leaders visit Gaza after only Catholic church is destroyed

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