Gentiloni gives support to France (2)

(ANSA) - Rome, July 26 - Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni on Tuesday expressed Italy's support for France after reports a priest was among at least one hostage killed by assailants at a church near Rouen. Interior Ministry spokesman Pierre Henry-Brandet was quoted by BFM-TV as saying a hostage was fighting for their life.
    The Le Point website reported that there were two victims - the priest, 86-year-old Jacques Hamel, and a worshipper. A police officer was injured in the operation to kill the two attackers, Le Point said, adding that the assailants shouted "Daesh". Two nuns and another worshipper were reported to be among the hostages. "We express our closeness to a France that could again be under attack," Gentiloni told a joint hearing of parliament's defence and foreign affairs committees.