Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said "Israeli raids" hit the only Catholic Church in Gaza, and she condemned attacks on civilians as "unacceptable."

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shared a post on X saying “fragments from a shell” hit the parish church, which has become a shelter for more than 500 people.

Amid mounting international concern, leaders across the globe condemned the July 17 attack on the Holy Family Parish in Gaza City, which left three dead and at least 10 injured, including the parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli. Statements denouncing the Israeli strike poured in from the Vatican, United States, Europe and Latin America.