Former congressman says his family members were killed in Israeli airstrike

On Friday, former Rep. Justin Amash (I-MI) posted to social media that members of his family had been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.

"I was really worried about this," wrote Amash, the first Palestinian-American to represent Michigan in Congress. "With great sadness, I have now confirmed that several of my relatives (including Viola and Yara) were killed at Saint Porphyrius Orthodox Church in Gaza, where they had been sheltering, when part of the complex was destroyed as the result of an Israeli airstrike."

"Give rest, O Lord, to their souls, and may their memories be eternal," Amash wrote in mourning.

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"The Palestinian Christian community has endured so much," Amash continued. "Our family is hurting badly. May God watch over all Christians in Gaza — and all Israelis and Palestinians who are suffering, whatever their religion or creed."

Tensions have flared in the region after a devastating terrorist attack by Hamas that left hundreds dead and hundreds more as hostages in Gaza.

Israel has responded with a series of airstrikes, as well as a blockade on Gaza that has limited humanitarian aid and electricity, although they rolled back an order limiting the provision of water into the territory.