Three Killed at Gaza Church

An Israeli strike killed three people and damaged the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City, one of two locations where most of the remaining 600 or so Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and Protestants in the Gaza Strip harbor. About 50 Muslim families of children with disabilities also shelter at the Catholic Church.

The deceased include Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh, 60, the parish maintenance manager, who was in the courtyard at the time of the hit; and two elderly women, Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad, 84, and Najwa Abu Daoud, 70, who were receiving psychological care in a Caritas tent on the grounds at the time. At least ten others sustained injuries, including an Argentine priest, Gabriele Romanelli, who has ministered in Gaza close to 30 years.

Morning mass had just completed when the blast hit the roof near the cross that marked it as a church, sending shrapnel and debris into the courtyard. “It would have been a massacre,” said Father Yusuf Asad, who led the mass, if Father Gabriele hadn’t warned people to stay inside, away from the courtyard. He estimates the priest saved 50-60 lives. (Victoria Cardiel, National Catholic Register, July 17)

This is the second time the Catholic church has come under attack. In 2023, a sniper killed a mother and daughter, as they walked across the inner courtyard. The other church where Christians shelter, Saint Porphyrius, was hit in an air strike that killed 18 in 2023. Other bombs and sniper shots have also injured or killed believers sheltering in the churches since the war began.

These two churches and one other, Gaza Baptist Church, are the only official Christian gathering places in Hamas-controlled, 99-percent-Islamic Gaza, where Christians are historically persecuted. But through the loving witness of Christian aid workers and local believers, many Muslims have now come to faith in Christ. Scattered throughout displacement camps and other locations in the country, these new Palestinian believers face the danger of attacks from both Israelis and Muslims.

Gaza Baptist Church’s building was destroyed early on in the war. But the former pastor, Hanna Massad, and other believers have been working tirelessly to feed thousands of hungry Palestinians all throughout the Strip through the ministry of Christian Mission to Gaza.

“The past few weeks, by God’s grace and with your support, we were able to provide 2,000 hot meals to families across Gaza, including the south, middle, and north, reaching many who are hungry, displaced, and struggling to survive,” said Pastor Hanna in a recent letter. His ministry has been able to provide meals at times when other humanitarian aid was cut off.

In comparison to the chaotic, deadly scenes that have unfolded in other humanitarian aid situations, the church has gained a reputation for being organized, generous, kind and providing delicious, even hot meals. Several Palestinians receiving food have commented that the Christians care more about them than their Muslim leaders.

“Just recently, over 600 people were killed and thousands injured in an area while attempting to collect food,” Hanna said. “The need is overwhelming. Every day brings heartbreaking news of more lives lost, many of them children and innocent civilians. The trauma runs deep, and yet, even in the midst of such suffering, we hold tightly to the words of Jesus in Matthew 25: ‘I was hungry and you gave me something to eat…. Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.‘

“Inside the churches where many are sheltering, the atmosphere is heavy with fear and exhaustion. Some have not left their rooms in days because of nearby fighting, particularly around church compounds,” he continued. “Due to extreme shortages, many are experiencing severe malnutrition. Even the most basic staples, like flour, are often infested with insects and worms (‘soos’). People report frequent dizziness, fainting, and ongoing intestinal problems due to the lack of clean, nutritious food.

“We continue to lift up prayers alongside the people in Gaza:

• That God would bring an end to the war and suffering.
• That peace and stability would replace fear and destruction.
• That leaders’ hearts would be softened and turned toward the path of peace.
• That aid would flow freely through the borders to reach those in desperate need.
• That the Lord would meet every physical need—food, water, and shelter.
• That prices would come down for those who have nothing left.
• That hearts in Gaza would be opened to the hope and healing found in Christ.
• That those serving would be strengthened, comforted, and protected.”

Lord, we pray together with believers in Gaza for an end to the war and suffering. Please replace fear and destruction with peace and stability. Soften leaders’ hearts and turn them toward the path of peace. Make the way for aid to flow freely through the borders to reach those in desperate need. Make the way for prices to come down so that those who have nothing left can provide for their families. Open the way for food, water, shelter, medical care and more to reach those in need. Strengthen, comfort and protect those who are serving others. But most of all, Lord, please awaken every heart in Gaza to You. Steal into their dreams, meet them throughout the day, get up in their face, invade their space, and show them who You truly are. When Muslims bow before Allah during daily prayers, give them visions of You, Jesus, revealing to them the truth of Your death and resurrection and inviting them to salvation. Tear down every wall, remove the plaster from their spiritual eyes, and let them see You. Visit them relentlessly until every person in Gaza has seen You and knows how to be saved. Give them a hunger for You so deep they will lay down religion, hatred and violence, and surrender to Your love. Be a Shield around every Christian and protect them from persecution and harm. Give them favor with their neighbors and family, and connect them with other Christians. Build their faith and deepen their intimacy with You. Grow the numbers of believers by the thousands. Make each gathering of believers a place of hope, love and joy — light in the darkness pointing the lost to You. Bless Christians so abundantly by Your hand that they will have more than enough to share with their lost neighbors, and then open up conversations that lead to You. Catch hearts on fire for Your purposes, O God. Begin a church planting movement in Gaza that spreads out across nations, turning every heart to You. Change the face of the land, so that what once was a spiritual desert now flows with streams of Your Living Water. May the people of Gaza taste and see that You are good and surrender to Your grace and love.

For a free guide to knowing God’s voice, the prayer book 30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening and deep devotionals and Bible studies for all ages on knowing Christ and walking in His power, visit MoreThanAConquerorBooks.com.

Thank you for your support! If you’d like to know more about how you can help the Vincents’ ministry, please contact Mikaela.