Gaza Church Strike Kills 3 Sparks Global Condemnation
Three Killed in Attack on Gaza’s Holy Family Church; Global Outcry Mounts
GAZA CITY — A deadly strike on Gaza’s Holy Family Church has claimed the lives of two women and one man, drawing strong condemnation from the Christian Patriarchate and international leaders. The church, which had served as a shelter for displaced civilians, was hit amid ongoing Israeli military operations in the region.
In a statement, the Patriarchate denounced the targeting of “innocent civilians and a sacred place,” stressing that the victims had sought refuge at the church after losing their homes, possessions, and dignity.
The Holy Family Church confirmed several others were injured in the attack, with some in critical condition. Among the wounded was parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli, an Argentine national known for keeping the late Pope Francis informed about the conflict. Television footage showed him receiving treatment at Al-Ahly Hospital in Gaza, with injuries to his right leg.
Pope Leo expressed deep sorrow over the incident in a telegram, calling for an immediate ceasefire and urging renewed efforts for “dialogue, reconciliation, and lasting peace.” The message, signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, did not refer to Israel.
The Israeli military stated that it was reviewing the incident, while the country’s foreign ministry reiterated that Israel does not target churches or religious sites and regrets harm to civilians. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel “deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church” and emphasized the country’s commitment to protecting civilians and religious landmarks.
Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly criticized Israel, blaming it for the church strike. “The attacks against the civilian population that Israel has been carrying out for months are unacceptable,” she stated. “No military action can justify such an attitude.”
Calls for accountability and a ceasefire have intensified globally, as the war continues to inflict devastating tolls on Gaza’s civilian population and infrastructure.
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