The World Council of Churches (WCC) expressed its grief over the passing of two women in the Holy Family Parish in Gaza. Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of WCC, conveyed a sincere message of solidarity and showed his deepest condolences to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the families affected by this tragic loss. These women’s deaths add to the already significant number of lives lost in Gaza.
We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Nahida and her daughter Samar, who were fatally shot inside the Holy Family Parish in Gaza. Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay expressed his sorrow, emphasizing that these senseless deaths highlight the urgent necessity to end the ongoing trauma affecting both Palestine and Israel.
According to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the two women fell victim to gunfire from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on December 16. The patriarchate’s statement recounted the distressing events, revealing that the women were targeted while seeking refuge in the parish, a recognized sanctuary for many Christian families.
One woman was fatally shot while attempting to carry the other to safety, while seven others sustained injuries as they bravely shielded others within the church compound. The patriarchate strongly condemned the violence as a cold-blooded act of aggression, taking place within the sacred grounds of the parish where no combatants were present.
Adding to the distress, an IDF tank launched a rocket hitting the Convent of the Sisters of Mother Theresa (Missionaries of Charity) earlier that day, causing extensive damage to the building. The attack also destroyed the generator, which served as the sole source of electricity, and vital fuel supplies. This has had severe consequences for the 54 disabled residents of the convent, who now find themselves displaced and lacking access to essential medical equipment, including life-saving respirators.
The WCC maintains its advocacy for peace and urgently calls for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss and suffering in the region.
