In a tragic turn of events, former Rep. Justin Amash (I-Mich.), the first Palestinian-American to serve in Congress, revealed that his family members were among the victims of the ongoing airstrikes between Israel and the militant group Hamas. The heartbreaking news was shared by Amash on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, where he expressed his profound sadness over the loss.

Amash disclosed that his relatives, including Viola and Yara, were tragically killed at the Saint Porphyrius Orthodox Church in Gaza, where they had sought shelter. The church, which traditionally serves as a sanctuary for both Christians and Muslims during Israel's periodic wars against Gaza, was struck by an Israeli airstrike. The resulting explosion caused a wall to topple down, burying individuals under the rubble.

While the exact death toll remained unknown due to bodies being trapped beneath the debris, Aby Selmia, the Shifa Hospital director general, initially reported that dozens were injured at the church. The Holy Orthodox Order of Saint George later confirmed the bombing, stating that the bombs had hit the two church halls where refugees, including children and babies, were sleeping.

"Our source at the scene says that they estimate that 150-200 people are dead, and that number is expected to rise as more people are found in the wreckage," the order stated sorrowfully.

Amidst the devastating news, several members of Congress reached out to Amash online, expressing their condolences and support during this difficult time. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez conveyed her heartfelt sympathy, writing, "Justin, I am so incredibly sorry. This is devastating." Meanwhile, Rep. Pramila Jayapal shared a broken heart emoji and expressed her profound sorrow for Amash's loss.

Despite his grief, the former lawmaker extended his thoughts to others who are suffering and wished comfort upon them. He called for God's protection over all Christians in Gaza, as well as Israelis and Palestinians facing difficult circumstances, regardless of their religion or creed.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has taken a heavy toll on both sides. Officials have reported that approximately 1,400 Israelis have lost their lives in the first two weeks of the conflict, while the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry has reported nearly 3,800 Palestinian casualties resulting from the responding strikes.

As the international community continues to grapple with finding a peaceful resolution to the escalating violence, the heartbreaking loss suffered by former Rep. Justin Amash serves as a tragic reminder of the human toll and devastation caused by the Israel-Hamas conflict.