THE family members of a former US congressman have died in a horrific airstrike that hit a Greek Orthodox church in Gaza City.

Palestinian-American Justin Amash asked for prayers after making the announcement in a heartwrenching post.

“I was really worried about this,” Amash wrote on X.

Amash said that “several” of his relatives died in the Porphyrius Orthodox Church in Gaza, housing displaced people when an airstrike hit Thursday night.

Among the dead are Viola and Yara, who smiled in a now-tragic photo shared by Amash.

“Give rest, O Lord, to their souls, and may their memories be eternal,” he said.

Amash asked for prayer for both the Israeli people and those in Palestine.

According to the Hamas-controlled Gazan health ministry, at least 16 people were killed and many were left stuck underneath the rubble, but no other source has been able to confirm these fatalities, The New York Times reports.

Many outlets are reporting that Israel was behind the strike.

Friends and followers poured out tributes for Amash’s family members, and asked for an end to the “horror.”

“So sad to hear this… my condolences to you and your family,” one X user said.

Another wrote: “Praying for you and your family.”

“So sorry for your loss. So much death I’m so sorry,” a different user said while another wished their “memory to be eternal.”

“May God bring them peace,” someone else wrote.

In 2011, Amash made history by being the first Palestinian-American to represent Michigan in the House Chamber.

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He served five terms and did not seek reelection after 2020.

In his final term, Amash was the only Libertarian in the House and was the first representative to call for the impeachment of President Donald Trump.

HOSTAGES RETURNED

Today marks 13 days since the terrorist group Hamas ignited brewing tensions between Israel and Palestine with a surprise attack on the Gaza Strip.

The horror strike saw Hamas gunmen raiding an all-night rave and abducting Israeli citizens as hostages.

Ever since, Israel has retaliated with a shocking force, and thousands have lost their lives in exchanging fire.

Among those kidnapped by Hamas were US citizens Judith Raanan, believed to be in her 60s, and her teen daughter Natalie who had traveled from Chicago to Israel for a birthday party.

But on Friday, dramatic photos showed the moment they walked free back into the Israel border after Israel’s defense vowed to bring them back alive.

It’s feared that hostages could be held in Hamas’ mysterious 311-mile maze of tunnels riddled with deadly traps.

And this afternoon a Hamas spokesman said two US hostages had been freed for “humanitarian reasons”.

It was confirmed they were Judith and Natalie in the hours that followed.

US President Joe Biden said he was “overjoyed” by the news of the women’s release.

He said: “Our fellow citizens have endured a terrible ordeal these past 14 days, and I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family, who has been wracked with fear.

“As I told those families [of the hostages] when I spoke with them last week – we will not stop until we get their loved ones home.

“As president, I have no higher priority than the safety of Americans held hostage around the world.”