Italy Reacts As Israel Bombs Gaza’s Only Catholic Church, Injures Priest, Worshippers

An Israeli strike on Gaza’s only Catholic church has left several people injured, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said on Thursday.

“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 a statement.

“Currently there are no fatalities confirmed. The Church sustained damage,” it added.

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

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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.”

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.

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“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.

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.

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The attack on the Catholic church comes amid Israel’s continued raids on Gaza, which have drawn widespread condemnation and calls for peace.