Tragic Loss in Gaza: Two Christian Women Among Five Casualties of Airstrike
Published On 4 Oct 2026
In a grave incident that underscores the ongoing violence in the region, two Christian women, Maysa Abu Daoud and her daughter Mary al-Najjar, were tragically killed during an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City. The attack occurred in the Remal neighborhood, where the victims were part of a group of five Palestinians who lost their lives.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, conveyed his “deep sorrow and grief” over the loss of the women, describing their deaths as a significant tragedy within the context of the continuing conflict. He extended his heartfelt condolences to their family and the Christian community in Gaza.
The funeral for Maysa and Mary was held at Saint Porphyrius Church, reflecting their active involvement in the local church community, where they devoted their time to aid parishioners and displaced individuals. This was emphasized by Ramzi Khoury, chairman of Palestine’s Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs, who referred to their passing as a “painful loss” for both the church and its congregation.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the airstrike occurred around 1:30 AM local time, as recounted by 14-year-old Fouad al-Najjar, who lost both his mother and grandmother in the incident. “My grandmother and my mother died. May God have mercy on them,” he stated, while also calling for an end to what he termed Israel’s genocidal actions in Gaza. He lamented the incessant suffering that Palestinians have endured, stating, “We are exhausted by this war and have endured so much.”
The ramifications of this assault extend beyond the immediate deaths; the Gaza Strip has witnessed significant loss within its small Christian community, which numbers fewer than 1,000. Many members have fallen victim to violence, with prior attacks since the onset of the war in October 2023 claiming numerous lives, including an assault on the Saint Porphyrius Church that killed at least 18 on October 19, 2023, and a sniper incident that took the lives of a woman and her daughter in 2024.
Moreover, the persistent violence has resulted in substantial casualties; according to the Gaza Ministry of Health, the death toll from Israeli attacks has reached at least 74,228 people since the conflict began, including over 1,445 individuals since the ceasefire efforts commenced in late 2025.
The conflict continues to evoke strong responses from various entities, including Palestinian religious leaders who have condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza. Pastor Munther Isaac shared his sentiments on social media, declaring, “The genocide continues in Gaza,” reflecting a shared concern among many regarding the humanitarian crisis stemming from the prolonged conflict.
The killing of Maysa Abu Daoud and Mary al-Najjar serves as a poignant reminder of the immense human toll of the ongoing hostilities in Gaza, a tragedy that is echoed repeatedly across the region as communities grapple with the consequences of sustained violence.
