Several people were hurt at the Holy Family Church in Gaza City after it reportedly came under fire, prompting condemnation from religious leaders and accusations against Israeli forces. The Latin Patriarchate confirmed that the Argentine parish priest, Father Gabriele Romanelli, was injured but denied initial claims of fatalities. Eyewitness images show damage to the church, with a focus on its roof and broken windows. The church had been serving as refuge for displaced Christian families since the onset of the war.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the incident, asserting that no military actions justify attacking civilians. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem also expressed outrage, labelling the strike a violation of human dignity and the sanctity of religious locations meant to provide safety during conflict. It is estimated that around 600 displaced individuals, many of whom are children, were seeking shelter in the church at the time of the strike.
The Holy Family Church is located in a region of Gaza that had been designated for evacuation by Israeli military orders. The ongoing conflict has escalated since Hamas launched attacks on October 7, 2023, resulting in a catastrophic number of casualties, with the casualties in Gaza reported to exceed 58,500, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the incident, asserting that no military actions justify attacking civilians. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem also expressed outrage, labelling the strike a violation of human dignity and the sanctity of religious locations meant to provide safety during conflict. It is estimated that around 600 displaced individuals, many of whom are children, were seeking shelter in the church at the time of the strike.
The Holy Family Church is located in a region of Gaza that had been designated for evacuation by Israeli military orders. The ongoing conflict has escalated since Hamas launched attacks on October 7, 2023, resulting in a catastrophic number of casualties, with the casualties in Gaza reported to exceed 58,500, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
