Pope 'Saddened' as Israel Strike on Gaza's Only Catholic Church Kills Three

An Israeli strike on Gaza's only Catholic church has left the global community in shock, with the Pope expressing deep sorrow over the tragic incident that killed three people and injured many others. The attack took place on Thursday at the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, a site that had become a refuge for hundreds of displaced Palestinians, many of whom were children and individuals with special needs.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem confirmed that the strike, which occurred around 10:20 am local time, resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including the church's parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli. At least ten others were wounded, with some receiving urgent medical care at the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City. Among the victims was Najwa Abu Daoud, whose 70-year-old mother was killed in the attack, and Shadi Abu Daoud, who described the event as a nightmare.

Religious Site Hit, Claims of 'Mistake'
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, said that the Israeli military claimed the attack was a mistake, but the church community is skeptical. He emphasized that the site was not a strategic target and that the church had long been a symbol of peace and reconciliation in the region. 'This is a place of worship. It is a Catholic church known for its peaceful attitude, for being a peacemaker,' said Monsignor Pascal Gollnisch of the Catholic charity l'Oeuvre d'Orient.

The Vatican has strongly condemned the attack, with Pope Leo XIV expressing 'deep sadness' over the loss of life. The incident has sparked international outrage, with leaders from France and Italy calling the strike 'unacceptable.' Israel, for its part, has said it 'never targets' religious sites and is investigating the incident, though it has not provided further details.

Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies
This attack comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over 21 months of war causing widespread displacement, food shortages, and a lack of basic necessities. The war, which began with a Hamas attack on Israel that killed over 1,200 people, has led to the deaths of at least 58,667 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza. The Vatican has repeatedly called for an end to the conflict, with Pope Francis, in his final Easter message, condemning the 'deplorable humanitarian situation' in the region.

As the international community grapples with the implications of this tragic event, the world watches with growing concern as the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate.