The incident occurred at approximately 10:10 a.m. when the church, which was sheltering several hundred Palestinians, was hit, resulting in widespread destruction and injuries. Church representatives have confirmed the attack's impact, stating at least six others were hurt. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed condolences and indicated the military is investigating the event.

The strike has reignited the calls for an immediate cease-fire from various global leaders, including Pope Leo XIV, who continues to emphasize the need for an end to hostilities. As of now, there has been little to no progress in cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, which have seen over 55,000 Palestinians lose their lives in the ongoing conflict since it reignited on October 7, 2023.

Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, condemned the attacks on civilians, labeling them "unacceptable." The church strike has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where basic necessities are scarce, and the conditions for civilians remain precarious.

The local health ministry reports overwhelming death tolls and ongoing struggles among residents, who face challenges in obtaining food, water, and shelter. The global community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes human life amid the continued violence and hardship faced by those in Gaza.

Ameera Harouda and Rawan Sheikh Ahmad contributed to this report.