Airstrikes struck the Holy Family Church in northern Gaza on Thursday morning, injuring several people, including parish priest Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, according to Catholic Church officials. The attack, described by witnesses as Israeli tank shelling, caused significant damage to the church, a refuge for civilians during the ongoing conflict. The Israeli military has not yet commented on the incident.

Fr. Romanelli, known for his close relationship with the late Pope Francis, frequently spoke with the pontiff about the war’s toll on Gaza’s residents. In the final 18 months of his life, Pope Francis often called the church to check on those sheltering there. The war, sparked by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 people and abducted 251, has led to over 58,000 Palestinian deaths, with women and children comprising over half, per Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry, led by medical professionals, is considered a reliable source by the United Nations, though it does not distinguish between civilian and militant casualties.

Currently, 50 hostages remain in captivity, with less than half believed to be alive. The attack on the church, a rare Catholic sanctuary in Gaza, underscores the conflict’s devastating impact on civilian and religious sites.

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