An Israeli round struck the Holy Family Catholic Church in eastern Gaza City on Thursday morning, killing at least two people and wounding up to ten others, according to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and Gaza’s civil-defence agency. Among the injured is the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, an Argentine cleric who had kept the late Pope Francis informed about conditions inside the war-torn enclave. The compound, which had been sheltering hundreds of displaced Christians and Muslims, sustained significant structural damage. The Israel Defense Forces said it is “aware of reports of damage and casualties” at the church, adding that the circumstances are under review and that the army “never targets religious sites.” Israel’s Foreign Ministry conveyed “deep sorrow” over the incident and any civilian deaths. Political and religious condemnation followed swiftly. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, normally supportive of Israel, called the strike and months-long attacks on civilians “unacceptable.” From the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV issued a telegram expressing “deep sadness” and renewed his appeal for an immediate ceasefire, dialogue and the protection of all holy sites. Thursday’s shelling came amid broader Israeli air and artillery raids that Gaza medics said left at least 22 people dead across the territory. The church strike, the first to hit Gaza’s lone Catholic parish since the war began, has amplified international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct as ceasefire negotiations continue.