Gaza’s Sole Catholic Church Struck in Deadly Israeli Raid

An Israeli military strike struck the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, killing three civilians and injuring several others, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli. This tragic incident, which targeted a sacred place sheltering hundreds of displaced Palestinians, has sparked widespread international condemnation and exposed the reckless and indiscriminate nature of the Netanyahu administration’s military operations in Gaza. The attack is not only a violation of international law but also a stark illustration of a leadership that appears to prioritize political survival over the sanctity of human life and religious sites.

The Holy Family Church, a beacon of hope for Gaza’s small Christian community, was serving as a refuge for several hundred displaced Palestinians, including children and 54 individuals with disabilities, when it was struck around 10:10 a.m. on July 17, 2025. The victims included Saad Salameh, a 60-year-old janitor; Fumayya Ayyad, an 84-year-old woman receiving psychological support; and Najwa Abu Daoud. The parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, who gained prominence for his nightly conversations with the late Pope Francis about the Gaza conflict, was among the injured, treated at Al-Ahly Hospital for wounds sustained in the attack.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued a scathing statement, condemning the strike as a "targeting of innocent civilians and of a sacred place." The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem echoed this sentiment, describing the attack as a "flagrant violation of human dignity and a blatant violation of the sanctity of life and the inviolability of religious sites, which are supposed to provide a safe haven in times of war." The church sustained significant damage, with shrapnel and debris littering the compound, though the crucifix atop the roof remained intact, a poignant symbol of resilience amid destruction.

The strike has drawn sharp criticism from global leaders, underscoring the growing frustration with Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Pope Leo XIV, in a telegram signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, expressed profound sadness over the loss of life and injuries, renewing his call for an immediate ceasefire and advocating for dialogue, reconciliation, and enduring peace. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was unequivocal in her condemnation, stating, “The attacks against the civilian population that Israel has been carrying out for months are unacceptable. No military action can justify such an attitude.” These statements reflect a broader international consensus that the targeting of civilian infrastructure, particularly religious sites, is indefensible.

The international community’s response highlights the need for accountability. The strike on the Holy Family Church is seen as part of a pattern of attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, which have fueled accusations of violations of international humanitarian law. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate’s statement emphasized that religious sites are meant to be sanctuaries, not targets, during times of war, amplifying calls for Israel to adhere to international norms.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry responded to the incident with a statement expressing “deep sorrow over the damage to the Holy Family Church in Gaza City and over any civilian casualty.” The ministry denied that religious sites are deliberately targeted, asserting, “Israel never targets churches or religious sites and regrets any harm to a religious site or to uninvolved civilians.” The IDF announced a formal investigation, promising transparency once the inquiry concludes. However, these assurances have been met with skepticism, given the Netanyahu administration’s track record of similar incidents followed by vague promises of investigation without meaningful accountability.

Critics argue that the administration’s response is emblematic of a broader pattern of deflecting responsibility while continuing aggressive military operations. The claim that religious sites are not targeted is undermined by the fact that the Holy Family Church was clearly a civilian refuge, housing no militants, as confirmed by the Latin Patriarchate. The administration’s failure to provide immediate clarity on the circumstances of the strike—whether it involved tank shells or an airstrike—further erodes trust in its commitment to protecting civilian lives.

The Netanyahu administration’s handling of the Gaza conflict has been marked by strategic decisions that appear to prioritize political survival over humanitarian considerations. Reports suggest that Netanyahu has resisted ceasefire negotiations, even when supported by international mediators like the United States, to maintain his coalition’s stability. A July 2025 report from The Times of Israel noted that Netanyahu agreed to end the war within two weeks after a U.S. strike on Iran, but only under conditions that excluded the Palestinian Authority from governing Gaza, a stance that has hindered postwar rehabilitation efforts.

This political calculus has drawn criticism for prolonging the conflict and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The strike on the Holy Family Church, occurring as ceasefire talks stalled, underscores the administration’s apparent willingness to continue military operations despite the devastating consequences for civilians. The international community, including European nations and the United States, has expressed frustration with Israel’s conduct, with some European countries imposing sanctions on Israeli ministers for their role in the conflict.

The strike on the Holy Family Church is a stark reminder of the human cost of the Gaza conflict and the urgent need for a just and lasting resolution. The Netanyahu administration’s response—characterized by expressions of regret without concrete accountability—falls far short of addressing the gravity of the situation. The international community must intensify pressure on Israel to adhere to international humanitarian law, protect civilian lives, and respect the sanctity of religious sites.

The calls for an immediate ceasefire from figures like Pope Leo XIV and Giorgia Meloni reflect a growing consensus that the current trajectory of the conflict is unsustainable. The Netanyahu administration must prioritize dialogue and reconciliation over military escalation, acknowledging the devastating toll of its actions on Gaza’s civilian population. Without meaningful accountability and a commitment to peace, incidents like the strike on the Holy Family Church will continue to erode trust and deepen the cycle of violence.

The Netanyahu administration’s handling of the Gaza conflict, exemplified by the tragic strike on the Holy Family Church, reflects a profound failure of leadership. The loss of innocent lives, the destruction of sacred spaces, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis demand more than empty apologies and promises of investigation. The world is watching, and it is time for the Netanyahu administration to be held accountable for its actions and to take concrete steps toward peace and justice.