An Israeli airstrike on Gaza’s Holy Family Catholic Church has left two women dead and several others wounded, including the parish priest. The attack damaged Gaza’s only Catholic church, sparking condemnation from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who called the targeting of religious sites “unacceptable.”

Medical sources at Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza confirmed that two women were killed and six others seriously wounded when an Israeli airstrike struck the Holy Family Catholic Church, the only Catholic church serving Gaza’s Christian minority. Among the injured was Father Gabriel Romanelli, who suffered minor leg injuries. Romanelli has been known for regularly updating Pope Francis on the situation of Gaza’s Christian community.

The Italian news agency ANSA reported the casualties and the extent of the injuries. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack, stating: “Israeli strikes on Catholic churches in Gaza are unacceptable.” She criticized the ongoing air campaign, arguing that no military objective can justify attacks on civilians or places of worship.

Meloni’s comments come amid growing international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. The attack adds to a rising death toll and further inflames tensions as humanitarian agencies warn of the mounting risks to civilians and religious minorities.

The Israeli military, responding to media inquiries, declined to comment on the specific incident.