Deadly strike hits Gaza church: Netanyahu “Regrets” a “Mistake”

Friday 18 July 2025 - 12:50

A deadly strike struck Gaza’s only Catholic church, the Holy Family Church, on July 17, 2025, killing three civilians and injuring ten, including parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli . The Israeli military acknowledged that “fragments from a shell fired during operational activity” likely caused the damage, calling it a tragic error and promising a transparent investigation .

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement saying: “Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church. Every innocent life lost is a tragedy.” He added that Israel remains committed to protecting civilians and sacred sites.

In Washington, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump phoned Netanyahu following the incident and reportedly described it as a clear mistake.

The strike prompted strong international condemnation. Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sorrow and called for an immediate ceasefire, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack, stating that strikes on civilian structures are unacceptable, even from staunch allies of Israel.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem emphasized that the church had been sheltering hundreds of displaced civilians, including children with disabilities, and described targeting such a sacred site as a blatant violation of human dignity .

This tragic event occurred amid a broader escalation in Gaza, where at least 25–34 people were reportedly killed in other strikes that day, reflecting the continuing humanitarian crisis engulfing the enclave .