Argentina’s foreign ministry has expressed “concern” over an attack on a Catholic church in Gaza that killed three people, a move that has complicated President Javier Milei’s alignment with Israeli policy. The statement comes as the priest in charge of the attacked church, Gabriel Romanelli, is an Argentine national who was among the injured.
Argentina Voices Concern Over Gaza Church Attack, Citing Injured Argentine Priest
The Argentine government’s stance on the Gaza conflict has been nuanced by an attack on a Catholic church where an Argentine priest was injured.
- Argentina’s government expressed “concern” over an attack on a Catholic church in Gaza.
- The incident resulted in three fatalities and injured the church’s Argentine priest, Gabriel Romanelli.
- The government reiterated the importance of protecting civilians and religious sites under international humanitarian law.
- Vice President Victoria Villarruel also voiced support for Romanelli and the church community.
The Argentine government, which has previously endorsed Israel’s actions in the Middle East and its strikes on Iran without reservation, found itself in an unusual position. The ministry of foreign affairs stated its “concern” regarding the attack on the Catholic church in Gaza. This delicate step was necessary because the priest leading the church, Gabriel Romanelli, is an Argentine citizen and was injured in the incident.
In its carefully worded statement, the Argentine government emphasized that “the protection of civilians and of religious and humanitarian facilities constitutes an essential principle of international humanitarian law, which must be fully observed by all parties involved.” Beyond this observation, the text conveyed “confidence” in the provision of “necessary assistance to Father Romanelli, as well as to the members of the affected community.”
Romanelli has lived in the Gaza conflict zone for three decades. Five years ago, he took charge of the church, which had become a makeshift refuge for Muslims and Christians fleeing the violence. Pope Francis had been keeping abreast of the situation in Gaza through frequent phone calls with Romanelli. The late Pope’s pronouncements, which were critical of Israel, were not unrelated to Romanelli’s consistent reporting. It was in this context that the tank attack occurred near the Al-Ahli hospital. According to Caritas Jerusalem, the projectile exploded near the cross on the roof, after which shrapnel began to fly.
The current Pope, Leo XIV, not only lamented the aggression but also called for a ceasefire. Following the Vatican’s lead, the Argentine Episcopal Conference expressed solidarity with the affected individuals and their families.
Vice President Victoria Villarruel, who reportedly has a strained relationship with President Milei, highlighted the growing distance between them by condemning the events at the Sagrada Familia Catholic church. Villarruel, whose father and uncle were involved in repressive activities, and who adheres to a more conservative branch of Catholicism, stated her “support and solidarity to Father Gabriel Romanelli and all the faithful of the Sagrada Familia Parish in the Gaza Strip, who today suffered the bombing of the Israeli forces.” She also extended condolences to the families of those who died and wished for the “prompt recovery of the seven injured.”
