The Latin patriarch of Jerusalem said that air strikes at the only Catholic church in Gaza killed two people and injured several people.
“Two were killed when the Israeli army attacked the Holy Family compound this morning due to a clear strike,” the ancestor said in a statement.
“Many were injured, some were in critical condition,” the Holy House Church in Gaza said in another statement.
Pope Leo said in a telegram to the victims that he was “deeply sad” and called for an “immediate ceasefire.”
According to a telegram signed by Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the pope expressed his “deep hope for dialogue, reconciliation and lasting peace”.
The IDF said they were “aware of reports of damage and casualties caused by the Holy Family Church in Gaza. The situation of the incident is under review.”
The statement added: “The IDF did everything possible to mitigate harm to civilians and civilian structures, including religious sites, and regretted any damage caused to them.”
Italy’s Meloni Grand Slam Israel
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement on X that the findings will be released. It also said that the country has not targeted churches or religious sites and regrets the harm they or civilians have.
The ancestors said in advance that the parish priest Gabriel Romanelli was one of the injured and his church was sustained injuring.
Argentinian Romanelli once regularly updated the late Israel-Palestine conflict with calls and messages. Reuters footage from the hospital showed his left leg tensed but able to walk.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni blamed Israel for strikes on religious compound.
“It is unacceptable that Israel has carried out several months of attacks on civilians. No military action can justify this attitude,” she said in a statement.
