By Quds News Network
Gaza (Quds News Network)- An Israeli strike on Gaza’s only Catholic church killed three persons, including two Christian women and injured several others, including the priest, on Thursday.
The Israeli strike on the Holy Family Church, Gaza’s only Catholic church, injured six, including the priest and a child.
The priest was seen with his right leg bandaged but otherwise in good condition. Father Gabriele Romanelli was very close with the late Pope Francis.
The church was sheltering both Christians and Muslims, including several children with disabilities, according to Fadel Naem, the acting director of al-Ahli Hospital that received those wounded in the attack.
Naem told AP that at least two people were in critical condition.
The church is a short distance from the al-Ahli Hospital and the area has been repeatedly struck for more than a week, he said.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned the Israeli attack on the Holy Family Church in Gaza this morning, which claimed the lives of two Palestinians. In a press release, they stated: “With deep sorrow the Latin Patriarchate can now confirm that two persons were killed as a result of an apparent strike by the Israeli army that hit the Holy Family Compound this morning. We pray for the rest of their souls and for the end of this barbaric war. Nothing can justify the targeting of innocent civilians.”
The two victims were identified as Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh and Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad.
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The Israeli military admitted attacking the church and said they are aware of the “claim” regarding damage to the church and injuries at the site.
The incident is “under investigation”, the spokesman added.
Since the start of the war on Gaza, Israel has repeatedly attacked religious sites, including mosques and churches.
In October 2023, just days after the war began, Israeli forces bombed the Church of Saint Porphyrius, the Gaza Strip’s oldest, killing at least 18 people.
17 July 2025
Source: countercurrents.org