Deaths in attack on Catholic church in Gaza Strip
The Church of the Holy Family, located in the center of Gaza City, is the only Catholic church in the Palestinian territory on the Mediterranean . For reasons still unclear, it was hit in an Israeli air strike.
"The Church of the Holy Family in the city of Gaza was hit by an attack this morning," the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem reported. Several people were injured, including the parish priest. The Patriarchate also reported damage to the church and published corresponding photos.
Initially, there were conflicting reports as to whether anyone was killed in the attack. The Latin Patriarchate has since confirmed that at least three people were killed. Nine people were injured.
Israel's Foreign Ministry said the circumstances of the incident were still unclear. "Israel expresses deep regret for the damage to the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City and for any civilian casualties," the ministry said in a statement.
The Israeli army stated that it was aware of reports of damage to the church and casualties in the area, but that the Israeli forces would "never" target religious sites.
The circumstances of the incident are being investigated. The Israeli military is making "every possible effort" to protect civilians and limit damage to civilian buildings, including religious institutions. The army regrets any damage, the statement added.
Pope's reactionAccording to the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV was informed of the incident at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. The head of the Catholic Church expressed his "deep sadness" over the loss of life and the attack on the Church of the Holy Family, the Vatican Secretary of State said on behalf of the Pope. Leo called for an "immediate ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip , the statement added, but did not explicitly mention Israel.
Around 1,000 of the more than two million inhabitants of the Gaza Strip are Christians. Most of them are Orthodox, but according to the Latin Patriarchate, around 135 Catholics live in the Palestinian coastal strip.
Church as a place of refugeSince the war began in October 2023, members of the Catholic community had sought refuge on the grounds of the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City. According to WAFA, the church houses displaced persons.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also condemned the attack: "No military action can justify such behavior," Meloni declared. The late Pope Francis maintained regular contact with the parish of the Church of the Holy Family, the Italian Prime Minister said.
The war in the Gaza Strip was triggered by the major attack by Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist groups on Israel on October 7, 2023. According to Israeli sources, more than 1,210 people were killed, and 251 were taken hostage in the Gaza Strip. Forty-nine of those kidnapped are still in the hands of the Islamists, and at least 27 of them are dead, according to the army. Hamas is classified as a terrorist organization by numerous countries.
In response to the Hamas attack, Israel has since launched a massive military offensive in the coastal strip. According to Hamas authorities, more than 58,500 people have been killed so far.
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