2 Killed, Several Injured in Israeli Strike on Gaza’s Only Catholic Church

An Israeli airstrike has killed two people and injured several others at the Holy Family Church in Gaza, the only Catholic church in the besieged enclave, according to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

The victims, a man in his 60s and a woman in her 80s, were among those sheltering in the church when it was struck. The Patriarchate condemned the attack, calling for peace and an end to the violence.

Argentine priest Father Gabriele Romanelli, who frequently updated Pope Francis on conditions in Gaza, sustained minor leg injuries in the blast, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa confirmed. The church had been sheltering both Christians and Muslims, including children with disabilities.

Fadel Naem, acting director of nearby Al-Ahli Hospital, said at least two of the wounded were in critical condition, including a young man hit by shrapnel, and that victims included women, children, and the elderly.

A Christian Palestinian man told The Independent that the strike hit near an area where vulnerable civilians were gathered. His cousin remains in critical condition after suffering shrapnel injuries to the back and abdomen.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the strike and directly blamed Israel, calling the attacks on civilians “unacceptable” and unjustifiable by any military rationale.

The Israeli military acknowledged awareness of the incident, saying it was reviewing the circumstances. A spokesperson stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) “regret any damage caused” and aim to avoid harm to civilians and religious sites.

The Holy Family Church is located near Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, an area hit repeatedly in recent days. The Latin Patriarchate confirmed the church compound had sustained structural damage.

According to the U.S. State Department’s 2024 religious freedom report, only around 1,000 Christians remain in Gaza, the majority of them Greek Orthodox, with Roman Catholics forming a small minority.

Pope Francis, who had been in regular contact with the church throughout the conflict, had repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire and criticized Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. His final public statement before his death included a call to end what he called a “deplorable” war.