Vatican City - In a statement released on Friday, March 1st, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem have strongly condemned the "unprovoked attack on innocent civilians" carried out by the Israeli military in Gaza City the day before during the distribution of humanitarian aid.

On Thursday, February 29th, reports from a doctor at al-Chifa hospital and eyewitnesses detailed how Israeli soldiers opened fire on a gathering of civilians who were in desperate need of food aid being provided from aid trucks in Gaza City, located in the northern part of the Palestinian enclave. The latest casualty count reports 112 deaths and 760 injuries, according to the Hamas health ministry.

The United States, a staunch supporter of Israel, has demanded "answers" from Benjamin Netanyahu's government following the tragic events of Thursday, urging for a "thorough investigation."

Appealing for an immediate and sustained ceasefire that would facilitate the swift distribution of relief supplies across the Gaza Strip and lead to the negotiated release of captives and prisoners, the representatives of the Churches in Jerusalem have joined the international community in denouncing the violent incident. They also criticized Israeli army spokespersons for disavowing responsibility for the attack and attempting to shift blame onto the victims.

In solidarity with all those affected by the conflict, the statement extends special prayers and support to the Christian communities in Gaza, particularly the 800 Christians who have sought refuge in the Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrios and the Catholic Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City over the past five months.

The Church leaders also express solidarity with the dedicated staff and volunteers of the Anglican-run Ahli Hospital and the patients they care for. They continue to pray for divine grace in realizing the hopeful vision for Easter.