Israeli airstrike kills at least five Palestinians, including four women, in Gaza City apartment building

An Israeli airstrike on an apartment building in Gaza City early on Saturday killed at least five Palestinians, including four women, according to health and civil defence service officials. The strike destroyed the building and ignited a fire, leaving many trapped beneath the rubble. Among the victims was a Christian mother, Maisa Abu Dawoud, and her daughter, Mary. The incident has drawn attention to the vulnerability of civilians caught in the conflict.

The Israeli military later stated that it had carried out an overnight strike on an apartment in Gaza in an attempt to kill Hamas figure Ali al-Amoudi. Hamas sources confirmed that al-Amoudi leads the group’s political office in the territory. The strike reportedly occurred in the early hours, catching residents off guard. “We were asleep and suddenly heard continuous strikes and heavy explosions,” a resident recounted. “The children woke up startled and started running and screaming.”

Residents described the chaos that followed. “We ran out and found that our neighbour’s house was struck and there were dismembered martyrs, women, men and children. We started to pull them out; they were scattered under the rubble,” another resident told Reuters. The destruction left families in shock and mourning, with many struggling to recover from the loss.

Relatives and friends, including Muslims, gathered at the Saint Porphyrius Church in Gaza City for the funeral of the Christian mother and daughter. Christians constitute just 1% of Gaza’s population of over 2 million. “Today is essentially the worst day of my life. I lost my mother and my grandmother today,” said Fouad al-Najjar, a relative of the victims. The church’s role in providing solace highlights the diverse community within Gaza, even amid the ongoing conflict.

In a statement, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem mourned Maisa Abu Dawoud and her daughter, Mary, and extended its condolences to their family. “We pray for an end to the war and bombardment, for the protection of civilian lives, and for a just peace in which the people of Gaza can feel secure for their children and loved ones. May their memory be eternal,” the Patriarchate said. This expression of solidarity reflects a broader call for peace and justice, echoing Micah 6:8, which urges us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

Israel has claimed that Hamas has been rearming and launching attacks in violation of the ceasefire, justifying increased military operations. The situation underscores the complex and tragic realities of the conflict, where the pursuit of security often comes at a great human cost. As the international community continues to monitor developments, the need for accountability and a path toward lasting peace remains urgent.

Source: Read the original report