Layla Moran's family trapped in Catholic church and under attack from IDF

It's a pattern of behaviour for the IDF; kill civilians and destroy anything which provides the rest with the means to survive.

I'm struggling to accept this is happening and both the US and UK keep supplying Israel with the means to continue it's assault on Gaza. It's not just the Israeli government who need to be dealt with by the ICC.

Incredibly sad to read this

Is this self defence?

surely every christian knows that christianity has its roots in bethlehem and jerusalem and surrounding areas.
i don't know who the lady named in the title is, but it is a very concerning situation.
i thought biden was trying to call for a ceasefire, wasn't he.
but they don't seem to listen to anyone.
it is baffling how they can justify this action.

It is sad that the Christian community in Palestine is declining. I think there is a common misconception that the Palestinians are all Muslims. The Christian community has also been targeted indiscriminately by the IDF for years and this is ramped up at significant times such as easter and for the Muslims at Ramadan. Also just how distant are those in America and UK who celebrate Christmas yet have no idea that the roots of Christianity are in Palestine!

Dreadful. The suffering in that article is shocking.

It's very possible that all the Gazan Christians could be completely wiped out 💔

Well, the USA are sinking all attempts. Lobby, money and politics matter more than innocent lives.

I wonder what it will take for the international community to do anything against these war crimes being committed by the IDF. There really is a warped mentality in mumsnet that thinks that as long as it’s soldiers doing the killing it’s ok. My heart breaks for all those killed by Hamas and the IDF.

My heart breaks

Yes but neither the Pope or the priest actively cheered on the genocide of Gaza so whatever else they said is irrelevant. Obviously.
Also. Isn't the IDF setting up in a church filled with civilians, nuns and disabled people,(and not allowing them to leave) using human shields and therefore yet another war crime?

Will the USA do anything? I expect not.

@stormy4319trevor I saw a video tour of one of the churches in Gaza prior to the war and it was beautiful. If I find it again i will post it.
I don't know what condition it is in now sadly

@Parkingt111 Amazing how long they have been there. So much interesting history I must read more!

The Pope has called for a ceasefire, but also for the release of hostages. I don't think he has ever taken sides, just wanted the violence to stop. Early on there was a Jerusalem priest (I think)? who offered himself in return for all child hostages. I can't remember who it was now.

Hasn't the pope been speaking out against Israel and calling for a ceasefire? In the eyes of a lot of the Israel supporters, calling out Israel's atrocities or asking for a humanitarian ceasefire is 'anti Semitic ' and supporting Hamas.

I've always quite liked Layla Moran anyway but she's remained so dignified and professional despite the pain she must be going through.

She co-authored this article with Jewish Labour MP Alex Sobel at the end of October (he grew up in Israel).

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/27/we-are-westminster-mps-of-palestinian-and-israeli-descent-this-is-our-call-for-peace

In Gaza there's only approximately 800 or so christians now. They are also one of the oldest recorded christian communities.

The same reason it shot dead three bare chested hostages despite having a white flag. Gunned two down, then pursed the last one despite his pleas in Hebrew.
You answer that question and you get the answer to the church one.
It makes me wonder how many of the so-called Hamas fighterS IDF killed were just civilians of the wrong sex (male) and of the wrong age (13-70).

This might be the moment that the USA really lowers support for Israel. There's a strong Jewish lobby in the USA but there's also a huge Catholic lobby.

I bet it won't get anything like as much attention as the hostages shot by IDF.

@Parkingt111 Thank you. There aren't many Christians and I worry people forget about them.

It is terrible. Its being reported on MSM and the IDF have been asked to comment on the situation. Now that this is gaining traction I hope that the right steps are taken to protect the other people in the church

Please don't use the word 'race' to describe the people doing this. My family are part Jewish, don't dare link us in any way to the actions of the IDF or current Israeli govenment.