Church Shelling in Gaza Leaves Several Injured Amid Ongoing Conflict

Wed Oct 22 2025 08:15:48 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Holy Family Church in Gaza City suffered damage and several injuries after being reportedly struck by Israeli artillery, attracting condemnation and highlighting the plight of displaced families.

In Gaza City, the Holy Family Church was reported to have been hit by artillery, resulting in injuries and damage. The church has been housing displaced Christians during the ongoing conflict. Italian officials condemned the attack, with calls for accountability as casualty numbers continue to rise.

Several individuals sustained injuries at the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, which reportedly came under fire from Israeli artillery. Church officials described the incident simply as being "struck by a raid," while Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, placed the blame squarely on Israeli forces. The Israeli military acknowledged the reports of damage and casualties but stated that they are currently reviewing the situation.

In the aftermath of the ongoing conflict, many displaced Christian families have sought refuge in the Roman Catholic church as their homes have been destroyed. Notably, the late Pope Francis reached out to them frequently during his lifetime. The Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem confirmed that Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest, was among those injured, countering initial claims of fatalities stemming from the attack.

Images circulated by various news platforms depicted damage to the church, including a struck roof and shattered windows. The Latin Patriarchate indicated that they would share additional information as it becomes available. Footage aired by Arab media also showed Father Gabriel leaving Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City after tending to other injured individuals.

In response, Prime Minister Meloni vehemently criticized the bombardments on civilian populations, declaring such actions "unacceptable" and asserting that no military rationale could justify the assault. Meanwhile, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem denounced the strike as a violation of human dignity and the sanctity of religious sites, emphasizing that such places should offer safety in times of conflict.

Reports suggest that upwards of 600 displaced individuals were residing in the church at the time of the incident, many being children alongside individuals with special needs. The Holy Family Church lies within an area of Gaza City designated by the Israeli military as requiring evacuation. This strike follows Israel's military intervention in Gaza, initiated in response to Hamas-led attacks, which have precipitated a staggering number of casualties in the region as documented by the Hamas-run health ministry.