Jakarta: Indonesia on Friday condemned Israel's deadly attack on a Catholic church in the northern Gaza Strip, saying it shows a disregard for the sanctity of places of worship. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said Jakarta condemns the attack on the Holy Family Church in Gaza, the only Catholic church in Gaza, which resulted in the loss of innocent civilian lives.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Foreign Ministry highlighted that the attack reflects a complete disregard for International Humanitarian Law and humanity, as well as the sanctity of places of worship. It further criticized Israel's lack of commitment to fulfilling its legal obligations as an Occupying Power, undermining peace and stability in the region.

The ministry emphasized that religious sites, medical, and any other civilian facilities must not be targeted and are entitled to full protection under international law. Indonesia urged the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to take concrete steps to pressure Israel to cease all hostilities and return to talks towards a ceasefire and a two-state solution.

On Thursday, Israeli forces attacked the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza, resulting in three fatalities and several injuries. In its ongoing offensive on the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army has bombed several places of worship, including the Gaza Baptist Church and the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius, which is the oldest in the Gaza Strip and the third-oldest in the world.

The Holy Family Church, the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, has been a refuge for many displaced Christian and Muslim Palestinians since October 2023, when Israel's offensive began. The Israeli army, rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, has continued its offensive against Gaza since October 2023, resulting in nearly 58,600 Palestinian deaths, most of whom were women and children.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.