The Latin Patriarchate confirmed injuries following an artillery strike on a church sheltering displaced individuals in Gaza. Italian officials condemned the attack, holding Israeli forces responsible.
Several Injured as Holy Family Church in Gaza Struck by Artillery
Several Injured as Holy Family Church in Gaza Struck by Artillery
A bombing incident at the Holy Family Church in Gaza City has left many injured, including the parish priest, amid rising tensions in the region.
Several individuals have sustained injuries from an incident at the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, amid reports that the structure might have been struck by Israeli artillery fire. Church leaders described it as "struck by a raid" in a statement, while Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, placed the blame squarely on Israeli forces. The Israeli military acknowledged the reports of damage and injury at the church, stating that they were reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The church has provided refuge to many Christian families displaced by ongoing conflict, as their homes have been destroyed since the outbreak of hostilities. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem confirmed that Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest, was among the injured, while also dismissing initial speculation regarding fatalities. Reports included images showing significant damage to the church, particularly around the roof and windows.
A video captured Father Gabriel unsteadily moving around the Al-Ahli Hospital, where many of the injured were taken for treatment. Italian Prime Minister Meloni condemned the attacks against civilians, emphasizing that no military rationale could legitimize such actions.
In response to this incident, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned the assault, labeling it a severe violation of human dignity and the sanctity of religious sites intended to be safe havens during wartime. The church was reportedly sheltering approximately 600 displaced individuals at the time, including a notable number of children and those with special needs.
This church is situated in an area of Gaza City that the Israeli military has previously advised residents to vacate. This escalation follows Israel’s military response to attacks attributed to Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties. Since then, the ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of over 58,500 people in Gaza, according to statistics provided by the local health ministry, which many organizations, including the UN, regard as credible.
