Two dead in Israeli raid on Catholic church in Gaza

The Vatican did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

The Israeli Defence Forces said it was looking into the matter.

Italy's ANSA news agency said six people were seriously injured, while parish priest Father Gabriele Romanelli, who used to regularly update the late Pope Francis about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, suffered light leg injuries.

"Israeli raids on Gaza have also hit the Holy Family Church," Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement on X.

"The attacks against the civilian population that Israel has been carrying out for months are unacceptable. No military action can justify such an attitude."