The Spanish government has condemned the Israeli occupation's bombing of the Holy Family Church (affiliated with the Latin Patriarchate) in Gaza City, which killed three people and injured others.

In a statement issued Thursday evening, Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded respect for places of worship - especially those protected under international humanitarian law - and called for an immediate halt to hostilities and indiscriminate attacks against civilians.

The Spanish government reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire that would facilitate prisoner releases and ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza.

Gaza health authorities reported Thursday that Israeli forces had targeted a church sheltering numerous civilians who had sought refuge there from continuous bombardment.

The Holy Family Church, Gaza's only Catholic church, has served as a sanctuary since October 2023 for both Christian and Muslim Palestinian families fleeing violence.