Mary and Maysa - more victims in Gaza

Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius, before it was bombed. Wiki image by Rahimabaid

Source: Fr David Neuhaus SJ, Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Vatican Media

Fr David Neuhaus SJ, an Israeli Jesuit priest, born in South Africa to a Jewish family writes: Every day Palestinians mourn their dead especially in Gaza. The small Christian community is no exception to this devastating reality. Since the so-called ceasefire on October 10, 2025, at least 1, 454 Gazans have been killed and 5090 have been wounded.

Just after midnight, early on Saturday morning, October 3, 2026, an Israeli plane bombed an apartment in Gaza City. Five people were killed - Mary and Maysa Abu Daoud, Yasmine and Hulum Boubou, and Bilal Awdeh. Mary and Maysa, Yasmine and Hulum were two mothers and two daughters. Mary and Maysa were members of the Christian community.

We mourn these latest victims in the ongoing devastation of Gaza.

His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, issued a message of condolence, saying that with "deep sorrow and grief" he "mourned the passing of Mrs Maysa Khader Ibrahim Abu Daoud (Ayyad) and Mrs Mary Hafez Michel Najjar (Abu Daoud), who were killed in the Israeli air strike that took place last night October 2nd, 2026, in Gaza City."

"On behalf of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, its clergy and faithful, Card. Pizzaballa extends his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and to the Christian community in Gaza, praying that the Lord may grant them comfort, strength, and consolation in their loss."

"His Beatitude offers his prayers to the Lord, asking Him to receive the two deceased in His abundant mercy, grant them eternal rest in His Kingdom, and bestow upon their families and loved ones the grace of consolation, strength, and hope."

"Blessed the one whom you will choose and bring to dwell in your courts." (Ps 65:5)

In a message to Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of Holy Family Church in Gaza, Pope Leo prayed for the victims and thanked him for his ministry.

"Since learning the painful news of the deaths of Maysa and Mary, I have been praying to God for them, for their families and for the entire community of Gaza. How long, O Lord?" he wrote.

"Thank you for accompanying the parish and so many people who wish to live in peace," said the Pope. "Blessings and an affectionate embrace."

Watch a clip from the funeral of Mary and Maysa in the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza City: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUvtOooNzqc