The Israeli shelling that struck the Holy Family Church — the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip — on Thursday morning has ignited a wave of anger and condemnation among Christian communities around the world. The attack injured several civilians and worshippers, including Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest, with four others reported in critical condition.

The Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem confirmed that the church was directly hit by an Israeli tank shell, according to Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who voiced deep concern for the safety of the besieged Christian community in Gaza. He asked, "If even churches are no longer safe, where can the innocent seek refuge?”

Although the Israeli army issued a brief statement acknowledging the incident and announcing an internal investigation, the admission has done little to quell growing outrage. Verified photos circulated by CNN revealed the extent of the damage to the sacred site — though the cross on its roof remains intact, a powerful symbol of resilience.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack as a "blatant and unjustified violation of a house of worship and civilian community.” Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described the incident as "an assault on the Christian world’s conscience,” and called for an immediate halt to military operations to allow room for dialogue and peace.

The Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza also denounced the attack, releasing a statement urging prayers for the injured and warning that the Christian community in Gaza is being "relentlessly targeted amid a disgraceful international silence."

While Israel expressed "regret" through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, observers say the incident places the Israeli government in direct confrontation with global Christian institutions and churches, which are now openly voicing their outrage at what they describe as Israel’s "blatant disregard for sacred places and human dignity.”