US 'raised our concerns' about Israel's killing of mother, daughter in Gaza church: White House

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The Biden administration has "raised our concerns" with Israel after one of its snipers fatally shot a mother and daughter sheltering in Gaza's only Catholic church, the White House said Monday.

"We have raised our concerns about this particular incident with the Israeli government about the need for those who have injuries or who have been wounded, to be able to be safely evacuated so they can receive appropriate medical treatment," National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.

Kirby reiterated Washington's view that "more can be done" by Israel to better protect civilians in Gaza as the war there continues, but said the US has not "seen any evidence that the Israelis are making it an aim of war, and a tactical operational necessity, to go out and slaughter innocent people."

"Now it is happening that people are being killed, people are being wounded. We recognize that, but it's a far cry from saying it's a part of their war aims," he added.

An Israeli sniper on Saturday "murdered" a mother and her daughter and injured seven others who were sheltering at Gaza's Holy Family Parish, according to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

The office said one of the women was fatally shot while trying to rescue the other after she was shot. Seven other people were wounded while attempting to protect others on the church compound, it said.

"No warning was given, no notification was provided. They were shot in cold blood inside the premises of the Parish, where there are no belligerents," the patriarchate said in a statement.

The incident was deplored by Pope Francis on Sunday, who suggested that Israel was using “terrorism” tactics in Gaza. The Pope named the two killed women as Nahida Khalil Anton and her daughter Samar.

Israel has said the killings are under review.