For his part, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, expressed doubt that the attack was not deliberate.

"His Holiness renews his call for an immediate ceasefire, and he expresses his profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation and enduring peace in the region."

Israeli strikes have resulted in 31 deaths in Gaza as critical fuel shortages threaten essential services. Despite international talks, ceasefire efforts remain stagnant. UN agencies raise alarms over Gaza's dire fuel situation,

The patriarchate stressed that it was praying for the repose of the souls of the dead and for an end to what it called this 'barbaric war.'

Critics’ accusations against Israel are gaining steam, but their “genocide” rhetoric is false as a matter of fact, morality, logic and law — and a dangerous distortion of