Israeli Army Strikes Catholic Church in Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict

On Thursday morning, the Israeli army targeted the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City, the sole Catholic parish in the Gaza Strip. Eyewitness accounts collected by the Associated Press indicate that the attack involved artillery fire from a tank. Reports from various sources including ANSA and Al Jazeera suggest that the incident resulted in casualties, with at least two individuals killed and six others severely injured, among them one lightly injured. The Argentine parish priest, Gabriel Romanelli, was also present during the attack. However, the Vatican has yet to confirm any fatalities. According to information from ANSA, the Jerusalem patriarchate has reported that the Israeli army claimed the church was struck due to a firing error. The parish of the Holy Family has attracted considerable attention, particularly from Pope Francis, who had been in regular contact with Romanelli in the final months of his life. The attack has drawn sharp criticism, notably from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who condemned the assault on the church as well as the broader attacks on innocent civilians. In a strongly worded statement, Meloni declared that the ongoing strikes against civilian populations by Israel are unacceptable, asserting that no military operation can justify such actions. This incident is part of a broader escalation of violence in the region. Since the early hours of Thursday, Israeli airstrikes have targeted multiple locations within the Gaza Strip, resulting in the reported deaths of at least 22 individuals. The situation remains fluid as further information continues to emerge. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2