GAZA CITY — A deadly strike on the Holy Family Church in Gaza has killed two women and one man, sparking international outrage and renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire.
In a strongly worded statement, the Patriarchate condemned the attack on the sacred site, saying the victims had sought refuge at the church after losing their homes and possessions. “This horrific war must come to a complete end,” it said, decrying the targeting of civilians and holy places.
The Holy Family Church separately confirmed “several injured, some in critical condition.” Among the wounded was parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli, an Argentine national known for his updates to Pope Francis on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He was shown on television receiving treatment at Al-Ahly Hospital, his leg bandaged.
Pope Leo expressed deep sorrow over the incident in a telegram conveyed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State. Without mentioning Israel directly, the pope urged for “an immediate ceasefire” and expressed “profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation and enduring peace in the region.”
The Israeli military later said an initial investigation indicated that shell fragments from operational activity may have mistakenly hit the church. “Israel does not target churches or religious sites,” the army said, adding that the incident is under review and expressing regret over civilian casualties.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed the military’s stance, saying, “Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church. Every innocent life lost is a tragedy.”
Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni directly blamed Israel for the incident. “The attacks against the civilian population that Israel has been carrying out for months are unacceptable. No military action can justify such an attitude,” she said.
The church, one of Gaza’s oldest and most prominent Christian sites, had been sheltering dozens of displaced families at the time of the strike. Calls for accountability and protection of civilians are growing louder as the conflict continues to escalate.
Mutib Khalid is a skilled content writer and digital marketer with a knack for crafting compelling narratives and optimizing digital strategies. Excel in creating engaging content that drives results and enhances online presence. Passionate about blending creativity with data-driven approaches, Mutib Khalid helps brands connect with their audience and achieve their goals.