- Israel Bombs Gaza Catholic Church
- Prime Minister calls the attack unjustifiable and unacceptable
- Israel says it regrets the damage and is reviewing the incident
By Grateful Ogunjebe
An Israeli airstrike has damaged Gaza’s only Catholic church, injuring several people, including its parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Holy Family Church, located in Gaza City, was struck early Thursday morning during one of Israel’s ongoing military raids.
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According to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the attack left several people wounded and caused significant damage to the church premises.
“There are several injuries in the place, including the Parish Priest,” the statement read, confirming that Father Romanelli was among the injured.
The church, which serves the local Catholic community, had no fatalities reported at the time of the announcement.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in a post on X, confirmed awareness of the strike and said an internal review was ongoing.
“The IDF is aware of reports regarding damage caused to the Holy Family Church in Gaza City,” the statement said.
It added that the IDF “regrets any damage caused” and claimed efforts were made to prevent harm to civilians and religious sites.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the bombing and described it as an unacceptable attack on a place of worship.
She said no military justification could warrant such strikes against civilians or churches in Gaza.
Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, also criticised the raid, describing it as “a serious act against a Christian place of worship.”
He voiced full support for Father Romanelli and reiterated calls for a ceasefire and peaceful resolution to the conflict.
“The attacks by the Israeli Army against the civilian population are no longer acceptable,” Tajani said.
The Holy Family Church bombing adds to the growing list of civilian structures hit during Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza.
Global calls for restraint have increased amid rising civilian casualties and repeated strikes on non-military targets.
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