Israeli Strike Hits Gaza Catholic Church, Kills Two

An Israeli strike hit Gaza City's Holy Family Church, the only Catholic church in Gaza, killing a church janitor and an elderly woman and injuring several others, including lightly wounding parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli. The church compound, which was sheltering hundreds of displaced Christians and Muslims, including children with disabilities, sustained significant damage. Both the Vatican and international leaders, such as Pope Leo XIV and France's foreign minister, condemned the attack, with the pope calling for an immediate ceasefire and renewed dialogue. Israel acknowledged the incident, stated it does not target religious sites, and announced an investigation. The Latin Patriarchate and humanitarian groups highlighted the vulnerability of Gaza's Christian community and the worsening plight of civilians. The incident has intensified global calls for the protection of civilians and religious sites amid the ongoing conflict.