Gaza, July 18: An Israeli strike on the Holy Family Church in Gaza City—the only Catholic church in the war-torn enclave—left three civilians dead and several others injured, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, according to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The incident occurred on July 17 and has drawn international condemnation and calls for an immediate ceasefire.

The Latin Patriarchate, which oversees the small Catholic parish, condemned what it described as a “targeting of innocent civilians and a sacred place,” confirming that two women and one man were killed in the strike. “This horrific war must come to a complete end,” the Patriarchate said, emphasizing that the victims had sought refuge at the church after losing their homes and possessions.

The Holy Family Church, in a separate statement, reported that several individuals sustained injuries, some of them critically. Father Romanelli, an Argentine national known for maintaining close communication with the Vatican, was among those wounded. He was seen receiving treatment at Al-Ahly Hospital in Gaza with a bandage on his leg.

Pope Leo expressed deep sorrow over the incident in a telegram issued by the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The Pope called for “an immediate ceasefire” and expressed “profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation, and enduring peace,” though the message did not explicitly mention Israel.

In response to the strike, the Israeli military issued a statement on Thursday acknowledging that fragments from a shell fired during operational activity in the area may have mistakenly struck the church. The incident is currently under review. “Israel does not target churches or religious sites and regrets any harm caused to civilians or sacred places,” the military said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this stance, expressing regret over the incident. “Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church. Every innocent life lost is a tragedy,” he said, adding that an investigation is underway and that Israel remains committed to protecting civilians and religious sites.

However, the incident drew sharp criticism from international quarters. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni blamed Israel directly, stating: “The attacks against the civilian population that Israel has been carrying out for months are unacceptable. No military action can justify such an attitude.”