Israeli airstrike in Gaza City leaves at least five dead

An Israeli airstrike has killed at least five Palestinians, including four women, in an apartment building in Gaza City, as reported by the Strip's emergency services and reported by the Reuters agency. Among the dead is a Christian woman, Maisa Abu Dawoud, and her daughter Mary, as reported by doctors and the Church of Saint Porphyry. The attack destroyed an apartment building.

The target of the Israeli bombing was Ali Al Amoudi, one of the favorites to succeed Jalil Al Hayya in the leadership of Hamas, according to The Times of Israel newspaper, citing security sources. Gazan authorities have not mentioned Al Amoudi among those killed in the attack. The Israel Defense Forces have not commented on the matter either.

"We were sleeping and suddenly we heard continuous impacts and loud explosions. The children woke up scared and started running and screaming," a witness told Reuters. "We ran out and found that our neighbor's house had been hit and there were dismembered martyrs, women, men and children. We began to take them out, they were scattered under the rubble," added the man. Israel claims Hamas has been rearming and launching attacks that violate the ceasefire, something the armed militia denies.

Israeli authorities have stepped up attacks against the group in recent weeks. The ceasefire in Gaza last year, mediated by the United States, contemplates the reconstruction of the territory, but little progress has been made on this roadmap that includes the disarmament of Hamas and the progressive withdrawal of Israeli troops.

Friends, including Muslims, and family gathered at St. Porphyry Church in Gaza City to pay their respects during the funeral of the Christian mother and daughter. Christians represent only 1% of the population of the Strip, which exceeds two million inhabitants. "Today is, without a doubt, the worst day of my life. I lost my mother and my grandmother," Fouad Al Najjar told Reuters.

In a statement issued Saturday, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem expressed its condolences to Maisa Abu Dawoud and her daughter, Mary. "We pray for an end to the war and the bombings, for the protection of civilian life and for a just peace in which the people of Gaza can feel safe for their children and loved ones. May their memory be eternal," the note states.