Gaza’s only Catholic church, the Holy Family Church, was hit by an airstrike on Thursday, leaving several people injured—including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli. The incident has drawn strong condemnation from global leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who described the attacks on civilians as “unacceptable.”
According to a statement from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the church sustained significant damage during the raid. While no fatalities have been confirmed, the civil defence agency in Gaza reported that at least 18 people were killed across the territory the same day due to Israeli strikes.
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The Holy Family Church has long served as a place of refuge for Gaza’s small Christian community, especially during times of conflict. The latest strike has heightened fears among religious leaders and humanitarian groups who are urging for greater protection of civilian spaces, including places of worship.
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Father Romanelli, who was reportedly inside the church when the strike occurred, is being treated for injuries. Church officials said they are working to assess the full extent of the damage and the needs of those sheltering there.
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