Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has sharply criticized Israel’s recent military operations in Gaza, particularly highlighting a devastating strike on the region’s only Catholic church.
This incident marks another instance of Meloni’s evolving stance, where she balances her longstanding alliance with Israel while demanding accountability for actions that harm innocent lives.
The attack occurred early last Thursday, targeting the Holy Family Church in Gaza, a sanctuary that has sheltered hundreds of displaced Palestinians, including members of the area’s tiny Christian community, amid the ongoing conflict.
Reports indicate that the strike resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to at least ten others, causing extensive damage to the historic site.
Among the wounded was the church’s dedicated priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, who had gained global recognition for his close communications with the late Pope Francis during the height of the war.
Meloni, known for her backing of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration, has grown more vocal in her concerns over the conduct of military campaigns in the densely populated territory.
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Posting on X, she declared that strikes on civilians, like this one on a place of worship, cross an unacceptable line and cannot be excused under the guise of defense strategies. Earlier this year, she had urged Israel to adhere strictly to global standards in its Gaza operations.
The event drew swift international attention, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to personally intervene. Upon learning of the church bombing, Trump expressed strong displeasure and immediately sought explanations from Netanyahu during a direct phone conversation.
Sources reveal that Trump pressed for transparency, leading Netanyahu to acknowledge the error and commit to a public statement. This pressure culminated in Israel issuing an uncommon expression of remorse, a rarity in its communications about Gaza activities.
“Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church. Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share the grief of the families and the faithful. We are grateful to Pope Leo for his words of comfort. Israel is investigating the incident and remains committed to protecting civilians and holy sites,” the Israeli statement was released by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
Adding to the chorus of disapproval, Pope Leo XIV voiced profound grief over the tragedy in a message relayed through the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. He extended support to Father Romanelli and the affected community, while once again advocating for a halt to hostilities to prevent further suffering.
As tensions persist, promising developments are emerging on the diplomatic front. Mediators report significant progress in negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release, paving the way for de-escalation and recovery.
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