Monday, 25 May 2026
Father Gabriele Romanelli was among those who needed medical treatment — REUTERS
Multiple injured following incident at Gaza's Holy Family Church
Tel Aviv – Several people have been wounded at the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, amid unconfirmed reports that the church was struck by Israeli artillery fire, according to the BBC.
While leaders of the Catholic Church described the event simply as a "raid" in their official statement, Italy’s prime minister directly attributed the attack to Israeli forces.
The Israeli military acknowledged awareness of the reports regarding injuries and damage to the church, stating, "the circumstances of the incident are under review."
Since the onset of the conflict, many Christian families, displaced after their homes were destroyed, have sought refuge inside the Roman Catholic church. During his lifetime, Pope Francis frequently called to offer support to those sheltering there.
The Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem confirmed that Father Gabriel Romanelli, an Argentine priest, was among the injured, refuting earlier claims of fatalities.
The church itself sustained damage, according to the Patriarchate.
Footage and photographs shared with the BBC revealed that the church’s roof was struck near the cross, with several windows also shattered.
The Latin Patriarchate pledged to release further information as soon as details are verified.
Arab television broadcast video of Father Gabriel, visibly shaken, tending to a man on a stretcher at Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, where the injured are receiving treatment.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack, stating, "The attacks against the civilian population that Israel has been carrying out for months are unacceptable."
She went on to add, "No military action can justify such an attitude."
The Vatican has not yet issued a comment in response to requests.
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem also denounced the incident, labeling it "a flagrant violation of human dignity and a blatant violation of the sanctity of life and the sanctity of religious sites, which are supposed to provide a safe haven in times of war."
It estimated that 600 displaced people, including mostly children and 54 individuals with special needs, were sheltering in the church at the time of the strike.
The Holy Family Church is situated in a part of Gaza City from which Israeli forces had previously instructed residents to evacuate.