The Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City is one of three operational churches in the coastal enclave and currently shelters about 600 people. More than 21 months of war have crippled the region and led to mass starvation, according to aid groups, as Israel continues its operation to dismantle Hamas’s grip on Gaza.

Israeli forces killed at least 27 people in attacks in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, including three people who died in a strike on a church that late Pope Francis used to speak to regularly, medics and church officials said.

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Experts warn that Gaza is nearing famine, citing Israel’s blockade and military offensive following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack. The World Health Organization reports a sharp rise in malnutrition and disease, with a large portion of Gaza’s 2 million residents now starving.

As cease-fire talks stalled, a deadly strike on a Catholic church in Gaza City prompted Pope Leo XIV to call for an immediate end to the fighting.

The Associated Press, BBC News, Reuters and Agence France-Presse issued a joint statement saying they are "deeply alarmed" by Gaza war

ABC News’ Gio Benitez is joined by Father James Martin reacting to an Israeli attack on a church in Gaza that killed three Palestinians and how Pope Leo XIV is renewing calls for a ceasefire.