Israeli forces launch assault on Gaza's sole Catholic church, resulting in two fatalities and six injuries, among them Father Gabriel Romanelli
**Attack on the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza: Casualties, Condemnation, and Calls for Ceasefire**
In a tragic turn of events, the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, was hit by a bombing on Thursday, 17th July 2025. The incident left three people dead and ten wounded, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, who sustained light injuries [1][2][4].
The church, which had been serving as a refuge for around 600 displaced Christians and others who had lost everything due to the ongoing conflict, was struck by fragments from a projectile, causing significant damage to the church compound [1][3][4]. Among the fatalities were Mr. Saad Salameh, the 60-year-old parish janitor; Mrs. Fumayya Ayyad, 84; and Najwa Abu Daoud, 69 [2]. The injured were transported to Al-Mamadani Hospital, where the severe shortage of medical resources reportedly contributed to the deaths of the critically wounded [2].
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that a preliminary investigation indicated the church was struck by shell fragments by mistake during operational activity in the area, and that the cause of the incident is still under review [4]. However, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni explicitly blamed Israel for the attack, reflecting international condemnation [5].
Church leaders in Jerusalem strongly denounced the attack, calling it a violation of international law and a desecration of a holy site [1]. They urged world leaders and United Nations agencies to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, ensure the protection of all religious and humanitarian sites, and address the humanitarian crisis affecting the civilian population [1].
The Israeli army is currently analyzing the incident, and the death toll has been reported to be four, with seven people injured [6]. Two elderly women who were in a Caritas psychological support tent were among the injured and were urgently transported to the hospital Al-Ahli. No official confirmation of fatalities has been reported so far [7].
The Church of the Holy Family had been a refuge not only for Christians but also for Muslim families, including people with disabilities, since the beginning of the conflict [8]. The attack occurred around 10:10 am, when an Israeli tank fired on the Latin Parish of the Holy Family, causing an explosion near a cross on the roof [9]. At least two of the injured are in critical condition [10].
The Holy See, led by Pope León XIV, has expressed profound sadness over the attack and renewed its call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Caritas Jerusalem confirmed that other refugees suffered minor injuries from glass and shrapnel, while Father Gabriel Romanelli was treated at a health center for his light injuries [11].
This incident has intensified calls for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilian and religious sites in Gaza, amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.
**Summary Table**
| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Date | July 17, 2025 | | Location | Holy Family Catholic Church, Gaza City | | Casualties | 3 dead, 10 wounded (including parish priest, Fr. Gabriel Romanelli) | | Shelter Population | ~600 refugees, including children with special needs | | IDF Statement | Incident under review; strike described as accidental | | International Reaction| Condemnation from church leaders, Italian PM blames Israel | | Humanitarian Impact | Severe medical shortages exacerbated casualties | | Fatalities Reported | 4 (unofficial) | | Injured Reported | 7 (unofficial) | | Age of Victims | Ranging from a child with a disability to an elderly person | | Location of Injured | Al-Mamadani Hospital | | Critical Condition | At least two injured individuals | | Refugees Served | Christians and Muslims, including people with disabilities | | Time of Attack | Approximately 10:10 am | | Investigation Status | Ongoing by the Israeli army |
- In light of the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Gaza, the general news media is reporting on the various political reactions regarding the attack on the Holy Family Catholic Church, with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni explicitly blaming Israel for the incident.
- In addition to the war-and-conflicts in Gaza, the crime-and-justice sector is also involved, as the attack on the Holy Family Church resulted in fatalities and injuries, emphasizing the need for justice and the protection of civilians and religious sites alike.
