Pope Leo XIV has expressed his sorrow and assured Gaza’s Christian community of his prayers after an Israeli airstrike killed five civilians, including two Orthodox women.

The attack struck a residential building in the Rimal neighborhood of western Gaza City in the early hours of Saturday, October 3, wounding numerous others.

Among those killed were Maysa Khader Ibrahim Abu Daoud and her daughter, Mary Hafez Michel Najjar. The two Greek Orthodox women had recently found a new place of refuge and were trying to rebuild their lives.

‘How long, O Lord?’

In a message to Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of Holy Family Church in Gaza, Pope Leo prayed for the victims and thanked him for his ministry.

“Since learning the painful news of the deaths of Maysa and Mary, I have been praying to God for them, for their families and for the entire community of Gaza. How long, O Lord?” he wrote.

“Thank you for accompanying the parish and so many people who wish to live in peace,” said the Pope. “Blessings and an affectionate embrace.”

Separately, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, expressed his condolences on behalf of the clergy and the diocese, condemning the loss of innocent lives.

The women’s funeral took place on Saturday at Saint Porphyrius Church in Gaza City, where Metropolitan Alexios, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Vicar, prayed for their eternal rest.

Humanitarian conditions worsen

According to medical sources at Al-Shifa Hospital, those wounded in the attack were in serious condition.

The Israeli military said the strike targeted a Hamas command centre or leader.

Meanwhile, the local Church, led on the ground by Fr. Romanelli and the Missionaries of Charity, continues to assist hundreds of displaced people with nowhere safe to go.

Speaking to the Italian newspaper La Repubblica ahead of the anniversary of October 7, Cardinal Pizzaballa said both Israelis and Palestinians remain marked by the events of that day.

“We have not yet moved beyond that day. Both peoples, Israelis and Palestinians, remain caught in this profound, unresolved trauma,” he said. “I see no emerging willingness to say, ‘Let us stop.’”

Although the intensity of the fighting has diminished, the Cardinal warned that everyday life and humanitarian conditions may be worse.

“Reconstruction has not begun, living conditions have not improved; indeed, in some respects, they have even worsened.”

A sign of hope

With winter approaching, Cardinal Pizzaballa voiced particular concern for displaced families. “The rains will be an enormous problem for all those living in tents,” he said.

Amid these difficulties, the reopening of Gaza’s parish school has offered the community a sign of hope.

“Reopening was an important sign to give. A sign that, despite all the difficulties, we want to begin again: we are not giving up,” the Cardinal said. “There was great joy that day; everyone was crying.”