An Israeli airstrike on the Holy Family Church in Gaza City on Thursday killed three people and injured 10, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem said. 

At least one person is reportedly in critical condition and the church’s priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, is slightly injured. 

The three killed include Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh, Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad and Najwa Abu Dawood. 

The new head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo, called for a ceasefire in Gaza after the strike was reported.

This is not the first time this church, the only Catholic parish in the enclave, had been targeted by Israel. 

In December 2023, an Israeli military sniper shot and killed two women who were seeking shelter inside. The church is also known for its connection with the late Pope Francis, who would call every night. 

The office of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed in a statement that it was not an attack, but rather just “stray ammunition.”

The statement also added that they are “investigating the incident” and will remain committed to “protecting civilians and holy sites.” 

According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, U.S. President Donald Trump called Netanyahu on Thursday after “not having a positive reaction” to the incident.