The Holy Family Church, historically a refuge for the local Christian community, has been sheltering many displaced families since the conflict's escalation. Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest, suffered injuries during the attack, though there were initial incorrect reports of fatalities. The church itself sustained considerable damage, with images revealing a compromised roof and broken windows.
A video shared by the BBC depicted Father Romanelli in Al-Ahli Hospital, visibly shaken yet attending to others who were injured. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the strike, labeling Israel's actions as unacceptable under any circumstances. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem also denounced the incident as a severe violation of sacred spaces meant to offer safety during wartime, estimating around 600 displaced individuals, including vulnerable children and persons with special needs, were present at the church when it was hit.
As tensions rise, Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza, which began in response to the October 7 Hamas-led attacks that resulted in significant casualties. Reports indicate that over 58,500 people have lost their lives in Gaza due to ongoing military operations, as per figures provided by the Hamas-run health ministry, acknowledged for their reliability by the UN and others. The plight of the region's Christians, compounded by violence against sacred sites, raises urgent concerns for the future of religious communities in Gaza.
A video shared by the BBC depicted Father Romanelli in Al-Ahli Hospital, visibly shaken yet attending to others who were injured. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the strike, labeling Israel's actions as unacceptable under any circumstances. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem also denounced the incident as a severe violation of sacred spaces meant to offer safety during wartime, estimating around 600 displaced individuals, including vulnerable children and persons with special needs, were present at the church when it was hit.
As tensions rise, Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza, which began in response to the October 7 Hamas-led attacks that resulted in significant casualties. Reports indicate that over 58,500 people have lost their lives in Gaza due to ongoing military operations, as per figures provided by the Hamas-run health ministry, acknowledged for their reliability by the UN and others. The plight of the region's Christians, compounded by violence against sacred sites, raises urgent concerns for the future of religious communities in Gaza.
