Strike on Gaza sole Catholic church kills two and injures parish priest

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said an Israeli strike on Gaza's only Catholic church killed two people on Thursday, as Israel said it "never targets" religious sites.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Thursday that "Israeli strikes on Gaza have also hit the Holy Family Church", slamming "unacceptable" attacks on the civilian population.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said the strike killed two people and injured several others including the parish priest, as well as causing damage to the building.

"The Holy Family Church in Gaza has been struck by a raid this morning. There are several injuries in the place including the Parish Priest, Fr. Gabriel Romanelli. Currently there are no fatalities confirmed," the Latin Patriarchate said in a statement. The Israeli military said it was "looking into it" when contacted by AFP.