At least two women were killed and several others injured following an Israeli strike on a Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, according to medical staff at Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City.

The attack damaged the Church of the Holy Family, the only Catholic church located in the Palestinian enclave. Reports indicate that six individuals sustained serious injuries, while the parish priest, Father Gabriele Romanelli—known for regularly informing the late Pope Francis on developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—suffered a minor leg injury.

A wounded Palestinian Christian woman is brought into at Al-Ahli Arab Hospital following an Israeli strike on The Church of the Holy Family, according to medics, in Gaza City July 17, 2025. REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

The incident has drawn strong international criticism. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a written statement denouncing the escalating violence in the region. “The Israeli bombings in Gaza have struck the Church of the Holy Family. Attacks on civilians, which Israel has been carrying out for months, are unacceptable. No military operation can justify such actions,” she said.

Wounded Palestinian Christians receives medical attention at Al-Ahli Arab Hospital following an Israeli strike on the Church of the Holy Family, according to medics, in Gaza City July 17, 2025. REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY