Israeli airstrike kills Gaza Greek Orthodox mother and daughter, raising Christian death toll to 58
An Israeli airstrike on Oct. 3, 2026, hit an apartment building in Gaza City, killing Maisa Abu Dawoud and her five‑year‑old daughter Mary, both members of the Greek Orthodox community.
The two deaths raise the total number of Christians killed in the war to 58 and underscore that roughly half of Gaza’s pre‑war Christian population has vanished amid the fighting.
According to Israeli military sources, the strike was intended to target Ali al‑Amoudi, a reported Hamas political director believed to be present in the building. No warning was issued before the drones struck, and the blast and subsequent fire destroyed much of the structure.
“We heard fighter jets getting louder, then three strikes followed, hitting the apartment and killing those inside,” reported Al‑Jazeera correspondent Hani al‑Shaer.
Maisa and Mary had been displaced for most of the conflict, initially sheltering at Gaza’s Holy Family Catholic Church before recently renting the apartment in the crowded Remal district in hopes of regaining stability.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa expressed deep sorrow: “His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, mourns the passing of Mrs. Maysa Khader Ibrahim Abu Daoud and Mrs. Mary Hafez Michel Najjar, who were killed in the Israeli air strike … We pray that the Lord may grant them comfort, strength, and consolation.”
Bishop William Shomali, the Vatican Vicar of Jerusalem, warned that the remaining Christian families are exhausted and many are considering leaving Gaza altogether.
The funeral was held the same day at St. Porphyrius Church, attended by a small gathering of Gaza’s dwindling Christian faithful. The service was marked by prayers from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, asking for the souls’ repose and for peace in the city.
With 58 Christians now dead—whether from direct attacks or war‑related illness—the community faces an uncertain future as the war continues and many seek safety beyond Gaza’s borders.
