IDF Refutes Pope’s Accusation of Targeting Women in Gaza Church

Dec 18, 2023 2:03 pm | Ticker, Virtual Jerusalem

Israel denies allegations of a IDF sniper attack blamed by Gaza sources, and echoed by Pope Francis in the Vatican, for killing two females at Holy Family Parish in Gaza


The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has categorically denied allegations made by Pope Francis suggesting that Israeli snipers targeted two women in a church in Gaza. The church in question is the Holy Family Parish. This rebuttal follows a statement by the patriarchate claiming that a mother and daughter were killed by IDF sniper fire.

Pope Francis condemned the reported killing of two Christian women in Gaza City, allegedly by an Israeli sniper. According to a statement from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the incident occurred inside the Holy Family Parish, where a mother and daughter, identified as Nahida Khalil Anton and Samar Kamal Anton, were shot. The patriarchate claimed that the women were shot “in cold blood” within the parish premises, where no belligerents were present, and that there was no warning or notification provided by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ahead of the attack.

Additionally, seven more people were reportedly shot and wounded while trying to protect others inside the church compound. As Hamas has frequently used holy sites as military bases and weapons stores, the possibility that Hamas was present in the area can not be discounted. The statement mentioned that a nearby convent of the Missionaries of Charity was hit by rockets, which they also blamed on the IDF, rendering the home uninhabitable and displacing 54 disabled persons who lived there.

Pope Francis spoke about this incident after praying in St. Peter’s Square. He described receiving “very serious and painful news from Gaza” and highlighted that unarmed civilians, including families, children, the sick, and people with disabilities, were subjected to bombings and shootings. He referred to the incident as “terrorism and war,” lamenting the loss and suffering caused by such acts of violence.

The Times of Israel reported on this controversy, providing a detailed account of the IDF’s statement. The IDF firmly stated, “Following a thorough review, we found no indication that the [Holy Family] parish was hit or that civilians in the vicinity were harmed as alleged.” This statement refutes the patriarchate’s claims and the subsequent comments by Pope Francis.

The IDF emphasized that their operations strictly adhere to principles of necessity and proportionality, aimed at minimizing civilian casualties. They underlined that they do not target civilians, and every effort is made to verify targets to avoid such incidents.

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