The only Catholic church in Gaza has been damaged in an attack.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has confirmed to Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that shrapnel from Israeli army strikes on nearby buildings destroyed water tanks and solar panels on the roofs of the Holy Family Church and associated parish buildings in Gaza City.

Cars and other parts of the parish complex were also damaged in the attack, which was reported last weekend.

The parish has also run out of fuel, depriving the community of electricity and any stable means of communication.

A local ACN partner said:

“Only a miracle prevented a big catastrophe from happening to us.”

Last month ACN reported that the congregation of the Rosary Sisters and a priest were caring for 750 displaced Christians – including 100 children and 70 people with special needs – in the parish.

ACN says that with the situation in Gaza becoming more desperate by the day, thousands of Christians in the Holy Land have already benefited from the charity's support which helps provide meals, food coupons, rent and utility bill payments and medical supplies.