Airstrikes Hit Gaza’s Only Catholic Church, Injuring Priest
URGENT UPDATE: Airstrikes struck the Holy Family Church in northern Gaza early Thursday morning, injuring multiple individuals, including parish priest Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, officials confirmed. This attack marks a devastating blow to the only Catholic church in the region, which has been a refuge for civilians amid ongoing conflict.
Witnesses reported that the assault appeared to be a result of Israeli tank shelling. The Israeli military had no immediate comment on the incident. The attack comes as tensions escalate in the region following the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a cross-border attack that claimed approximately 1,200 lives, primarily civilians.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni condemned the strike, asserting, “The attacks on the civilian population that Israel has been demonstrating for months are unacceptable. No military action can justify such an attitude.” This statement highlights the growing international concern regarding civilian safety amidst the conflict.
The Holy Family Church has been a significant point of contact during the crisis. In his final months, Pope Francis frequently reached out to the church, checking on the well-being of the nearly 600 people sheltering inside. Reports indicate that there are only about 1,000 Christians living within the predominantly Muslim territory of Gaza, as noted in the U.S. State Department’s international religious freedom report for 2024.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in the death of over 58,000 Palestinians, with women and children constituting more than half of those casualties, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. While the ministry is associated with the Hamas-led government, it is staffed by medical professionals who provide essential data on the humanitarian crisis.
As the situation continues to unfold, authorities are urging immediate international intervention to protect civilians and uphold humanitarian standards in the region. The emotional toll of this conflict on innocent lives is palpable, with calls for peace growing louder as the war persists.
What happens next remains uncertain, but the international community is watching closely. Further developments are expected as officials and humanitarian organizations respond to the crisis, and the plight of Gaza’s residents continues to draw global attention.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
