An Israeli air raid on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza has left several people injured, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, sparking international condemnation and intensifying calls for an end to Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the region.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem confirmed on Thursday that the strike damaged the church building and wounded multiple individuals inside, among them Father Romanelli. While no deaths have been reported at the moment, the Patriarchate described the incident as deeply troubling.
“The Holy Family Church in Gaza has been struck by a raid this morning. There are several injuries in the place, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli,” the statement read. “Currently, there are no fatalities confirmed. The Church sustained damage.”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded to the incident with a note of regret, saying it is currently investigating the circumstances that led to the strike. “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,” the military posted on its official X account. “The IDF makes every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and civilian structures, including religious sites, and regrets any damage caused to them.”
However, the response did little to calm global criticism.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly rebuked the bombing, stating in a post that such actions against civilians are indefensible. “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 behavior,” she wrote.
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Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, also denounced the strike, pointing to the hit on the Christian worship site as a serious violation. “The attacks by the Israeli 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 a 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,” Tajani said on his official X account.
The airstrike comes amid relentless Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, which has displaced thousands and resulted in the destruction of numerous homes, schools, and healthcare facilities. The attack on a religious sanctuary has added a new layer to the crisis, fueling outrage from both religious groups and international human rights advocates.
This latest development further complicates diplomatic efforts aimed at brokering a ceasefire, as world leaders continue to voice concern over what many now regard as an escalating humanitarian disaster in the besieged Palestinian enclave.
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