Hundreds of individuals, including the family of Layla Moran, find themselves trapped in a Gaza church.

According to UK MP Layla Moran, her family members are among the hundreds of civilians trapped in a Catholic Church in Gaza City while Israeli forces are operating nearby. Moran, a Liberal Democrat, warns that her family is "days away from dying" due to the lack of access to water and food. Her relatives claim that six people, including a mother and daughter, have been killed by sniper fire inside the Holy Family Church complex. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been contacted for comment. Moran's extended family, who are Christian Palestinians, sought refuge in the church after their home was bombed during the early stages of the war. They have been residing in the church for over 60 days, sleeping on mattresses alongside many others. Communication has been sporadic due to the lack of internet and intermittent power. One family member, a grandfather, died last month after being unable to receive medical treatment. The remaining five family members are now without access to food or water, and the church's generator, which was supplying water, has stopped working. The family claims that soldiers entered the church compound and occupied a room in one of the buildings. They also report witnessing shootings in the area, resulting in two deaths. The family has provided a photo of two bodies lying outside the church that have allegedly been decomposing for several days. However, the BBC has not independently verified the circumstances surrounding the image. Moran criticizes the lack of explanation for why Israeli soldiers would target the church, and she argues that no warnings or leaflets were given to people inside, endangering civilian lives. Israel states that its military operations in Gaza aim to eradicate Hamas and rescue hostages. While Israel initially advised people in northern Gaza to move to the south for safety, it has also bombed the area where it advised relocation. Many Palestinians have remained in Gaza City and other northern regions. Moran has been in contact with the UK Foreign Office to secure the evacuation of her relatives, but she acknowledges the complexity of the situation. The family has considered traveling to the Rafah area near the Egyptian border, but the current lack of a ceasefire makes it too dangerous. The conflict intensified when Hamas breached Israel's heavily guarded perimeter, resulting in casualties and hostage-taking. According to Gaza's health ministry, over 18,700 people have been killed and 50,000 injured since the beginning of the Gaza war.