2 killed and several others injured as Israel bombs only catholic church in Gaza

Two people have been killed and many others injured as an Israeli airstrike bombed the only Catholic church in Gaza.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, told Vatican News that The Holy Family Church in Gaza was hit “directly” by a tank Thursday morning.

The parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, was injured in the attack, the patriarchate said, alongside a number of others.

Romanelli is an Argentine who has ministered in Gaza for close to 30 years.

The church has come under attack once before amid Israel’s war in Gaza. In December 2023, an Israeli military sniper shot and killed two women who were sheltering inside, according to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

The church is known internationally for its close connection with the late Pope Francis, who would call the parish almost daily since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7.

Pope expresses sadness

“His Holiness Pope Leo XIV was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack on the Holy Family Church in Gaza”, read a telegram sent by the Vatican’s secretary of state in the pope’s name.

Leo “renews his call for an immediate ceasefire, and he expresses his profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation and enduring peace in the region”, read the telegram, which did not mention Israel.

We’re reviewing development – IDF

Reacting to the incident, the Israel Defense Forces expressed regret over the development.

In a post on its official X handle, the IDF noted that it was reviewing the extent of damage caused by the attack.

“The IDF is aware of reports regarding damage caused to the Holy Family Church in Gaza City and casualties at the scene. The circumstances of the incident are under review,” it said.

“The IDF makes every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and civilian structures, including religious sites, and regrets any damage caused to them.”

It’s unacceptable – Italy PM

On her official X handle, the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, condemned the attack on the church by Israel. According to her, the Israeli military had no basis for the attack.

“Israel raids on Gaza also hit the Holy family church. The attacks against the civilian population that Israel has been carrying out for months are unacceptable. No military action can justify such behaviour,” she wrote on X.

Serious act against Christians – Italian FM

The Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, also condemned the raid.

“The attacks by the Israel Army against the civilian population in Gaza are no longer acceptable. In this morning’s raid, the church of the Holy family in Gaza was also hit, a serious act against Christian place of worship. All my support goes to Father Romanelli who was injured during the raid. It is time to stop and find peace,” he posted on X.