The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem announced that Father Gabriel Romanelli, who leads the church, was among those injured; no fatalities have been reported so far. The church has been serving as a refuge for many displaced Christian families whose homes have been destroyed since the onset of war in the region. A video captured Father Romanelli in a local hospital, visibly affected but attending to other injured individuals.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack, labeling it unacceptable and stating that no military action can justify such strikes on civilians. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate also denounced the church incident as a blatant assault on human dignity and religious safety. It is estimated that around 600 people were taking shelter in the church at the time, consisting largely of children and individuals with special needs.
The conflict in Gaza has escalated significantly following attacks from Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. Currently, reports indicated that Israeli strikes have taken the lives of over 58,500 people in Gaza, with many families, including Christians, facing dire circumstances for survival amid the continuing violence.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack, labeling it unacceptable and stating that no military action can justify such strikes on civilians. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate also denounced the church incident as a blatant assault on human dignity and religious safety. It is estimated that around 600 people were taking shelter in the church at the time, consisting largely of children and individuals with special needs.
The conflict in Gaza has escalated significantly following attacks from Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. Currently, reports indicated that Israeli strikes have taken the lives of over 58,500 people in Gaza, with many families, including Christians, facing dire circumstances for survival amid the continuing violence.
