Two people have been killed in an Israeli strike on Gaza’s only Catholic church, according to church officials.
A man and a woman died, and several people were wounded in “an apparent strike by the Israeli army” on Gaza’s Holy Family Church, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said in a statement.
The Holy Family Church is the only Catholic church inside the besieged Palestinian enclave.
“We pray that their souls rest (in peace) and for an end to this barbaric war. Nothing can justify the targeting of innocent civilians,” said the Patriarchate, which oversees the church.
In a telegram for the victims signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Pope Leo said he was “deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack.”
He “assures the parish priest, father Gabriele Romanelli, and the whole parish community of his spiritual closeness,” the telegram said.
The Pope renewed his “call for an immediate ceasefire, and he expresses his profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation and enduring peace in the region.”
Among those injured was Father Gabriele Romanelli, an Argentine, who used to regularly update Francis about the war ravaging Gaza. He suffered light leg injuries, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa said.
The church was sheltering both Christians and Muslims, including several children with disabilities, according to Fadel Naem, acting director of Al-Ahli Hospital, which received the wounded.
At least two people were in critical condition, and others injured included one child with disabilities, two women, and an elderly person, Mr Naem said.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem added that the church had sustained damage.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni blamed Israel for the attack.
She wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Israeli raids on Gaza also hit the Holy Family Church.
“The attacks against the civilian population that Israel has been carrying out for months are unacceptable. No military action can justify such behaviour.”
