The United States has expressed concern to Israel over reports that an Israeli army (IDF) sniper shot and killed two women at a Christian compound in the Gaza Strip, White House spokesman John Kirby said at a press conference, Sky News reported.

Israeli soldiers in the Gaza StripPhoto: Israeli Army / AFP / Profimedia

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Catholic authority in the Holy Land, said two women, identified as Nahida Khalil Anton and her daughter Samar, were shot dead Saturday at the Holy Family Parish in Gaza.

Kirby also confirmed the White House’s commitment to the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

The Israel Defense Forces denied the reports, although earlier today they were questioned by the Archbishop of Westminster, who called them “cold-blooded murders” and said he did not believe the Israeli military’s claims.

“I think it’s hard to believe, frankly, because the Archbishop of Jerusalem is not lying,” he told Sky News.