GAZA: Israeli forces launched a deadly assault on the Holy Family Church, the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, killing two civilians and injuring several others, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli.
In a statement, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned the attack, confirming that the church compound was directly targeted during the Israeli bombardment. Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli tanks conducted heavy shelling of the church grounds.
The Al-Ahli Arab Hospital confirmed that among the injured are a disabled child, two women, and an elderly man. At least two victims are said to be in critical condition.
At the time of the attack, worshippers had gathered inside the church to pray for peace and an end to the ongoing violence in Gaza. Many of those sheltering in the church were displaced Palestinians — both Christians and Muslims — who had lost their homes in Israeli airstrikes.
Widespread condemnation
Pope Leo, head of the Catholic Church, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a strongly worded statement, he condemned the targeting of a place of worship and offered prayers for the deceased and injured. The Pope renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, urging all parties to begin dialogue in pursuit of lasting peace.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also condemned the bombing. She described the targeting of a religious sanctuary during military operations as “unacceptable,” and stressed that “no military justification can legitimize such an attack.”
Meloni added that the ongoing Israeli offensive, which has continued for months, must come to an end.
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