BREAKING News 2 Women from Gaza's Christian Churches Killed by Israeli Air Strike that Left 5 Civilians Dead - RIP Mary and Maysa - Cardinal Pizzaballa Offers Condolences

Five Dead in Israeli Air Strike on Gaza City Targeting Hamas Leader; Christian Minority Mourns Victims

Vatican News and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem released that an Israeli air raid targeting senior Hamas official Ali al-Amoudi in Gaza City early Saturday left at least five civilians dead and dozens injured after a residential building collapsed. Among the casualties were two women, a mother and grandmother, from Gaza’s Christian community who attended both the Greek Orthodox and the Catholic Church, Maysa Khader Ibrahim Abu Daoud (Ayyad) and Mary Hafez Michel Najjar (Abu Daoud).


Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, expressed "deep sorrow and condolences" on behalf of the Patriarchate, offering prayers for the grieving families as funeral services took place at the historic Church of Saint Porphyrius.

According to Israeli media reports, Tel Aviv’s fighter jets targeted al-Amoudi—considered a key political figure in Gaza overseeing civil administrative transition plans—in a precision operation. However, military sources have not confirmed his status, and al-Amoudi was not listed among the hospital casualties, leaving his fate uncertain while civilian rescue operations continue.

Key Details: Gaza City Air Strike & Civilian Impact

• The Strike: Israeli forces launched an early-morning air strike targeting a residential building in western Gaza City, resulting in five confirmed civilian deaths and numerous injuries.

• Christian Community Losses: Victims include two women of Greek Orthodox background, Maysa Khader Ibrahim Abu Daoud and Mary Hafez Michel Najjar. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa of Jerusalem issued a statement of deep mourning, with funerals held at the Church of Saint Porphyrius.

• The Target: The raid targeted Ali al-Amoudi, a top Hamas political official overseeing disarmament and administrative transition protocols.

• Uncertain Outcome: Israeli media and security analysts report that al-Amoudi’s fate remains unconfirmed, as his name was not among those processed by local medical centers.