The Patriarchate condemned "this targeting of innocent civilians and of a sacred place," saying two women and one man were killed in the attack on the Holy Family Church.

Several people have been injured at the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, with some unconfirmed reports that it was hit by Israeli artillery shells.

“The (Israel Defense Forces) makes every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and civilian structures, including religious sites, and regrets any damage caused to them,” it said.

Israel has stepped up its campaign despite pressure from the US, which has made moves to end Syria’s international isolation.

Powerful airstrikes shook Damascus on Wednesday, targeting the defence ministry as Israel vowed to destroy Syrian government forces attacking Druze communities in southern Syria and demanded they wit...

The Israeli defense minister threatened on Wednesday to intensify attacks on Syrian government forces unless they withdraw from Sweida.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now leading a minority government after losing the support of another ultra-Orthodox faction. Shas, a Sephardic-haredi political party, announced its decision to exit the ruling coalition on Wednesday in protest of the government’s inaction to restore exemptions from military service for ultra-Orthodox believers.

A key governing partner of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday it is quitting the government, leaving him with a minority in parliament.