Israeli strikes rip through Gaza, killing civilians in aid area and church

As Israeli bombs rain down on shelters, schools, and churches, Gaza’s civilians, already displaced and desperate, are left to face death with no refuge in sight.

Israeli occupation forces launched a series of heavy airstrikes and artillery attacks across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, killing at least 15 people in the al-Sudaniyya area, northwest of Gaza City.

The casualties reportedly included humanitarian aid security personnel, who were targeted directly during the strike. The wave of attacks also hit displacement camps, residential neighborhoods, and schools across Gaza, as the military campaign continues to escalate.

In central Gaza, heavy shelling struck displacement tents inside two Abu Helou schools in the al-Bureij refugee camp, resulting in multiple casualties. Similar strikes were reported in Jabalia, al-Zaytoun, and al-Bureij, where residential buildings and civilian shelters were targeted.

Artillery bombardment continuous  in al-Zarqa, located in Jabalia al-Balad, northern Gaza, with widespread destruction reported across the area.

In al-Zaytoun, an Israeli airstrike targeted an apartment near Imam al-Shafi’i School, killing three civilians and wounding several others.

Holy Family Church hit in Gaza City

The Holy Family Church, the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, was struck by an Israeli tank shell on Saturday morning, injuring eight people seriously injured, including four with serious injuries.

Later, the church updated the toll, announcing that two were killed in the Israeli attack on the sole Roman Catholic church in the Gaza Strip.

“We pray that their souls rest (in peace) and for an end to this barbaric war. Nothing can justify the targeting of innocent civilians,” said the Patriarchate, which oversees the Holy Family Church in Gaza City.

Several others sustained injuries, among them the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, whose wounds are reportedly less severe.

The incident drew swift condemnation and concern from senior church leaders. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, confirmed the strike in an interview with Vatican News, describing the attack as a direct hit on the church building.