Footage shows panic inside Gaza church amid Israeli airstrikes

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) – A Palestinian pastor on Thursday posted footage showing a state of panic inside the Holy Family Church in the Gaza Strip amid Israeli airstrikes.

Around 700 displaced Palestinians are taking shelter inside the church in Gaza.

“As Israeli warplanes struck the vicinity of the church in Gaza, prayers were being held at a moment close to death,” Mitri Raheb said on social media platform X.

The video shows children hugging their mothers in fear, while others scream in panic. Books and paintings are seen scattered on the ground.

This week, the Israeli army has expanded its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.

Nearly 10,600 people have been killed in the conflict, including 9,061 Palestinians and more than 1,538 Israelis.

Besides the large number of casualties and displacement, basic supplies are running low for the 2.3 million residents in Gaza due to the Israeli siege.

*Writing by Ziad Aslan in Ankara