Priest Injured as Israeli Airstrike Strikes Gaza’s Only Catholic Church — Italy Condemns Action

An Israeli airstrike struck Gaza’s only Catholic church early Thursday, injuring several people including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, according to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

The attack targeted the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, a historic place of worship that has served as a refuge for many amid ongoing hostilities. The church sustained structural damage, but no fatalities have been confirmed at the time of this report.

“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 Patriarchate said in an official statement.

In response to global backlash, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the incident and said it is investigating 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 Israeli military posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

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

“Israel’s 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.”

Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, also denounced the strike:

“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 a Christian place of worship. All my support goes to Father Romanelli who was injured. It is time to stop and find peace.”