Israeli strike on Gaza church kills three Palestinian Christians amid ongoing conflict

Friday 18 July 2025 - 07:18

In a tragic escalation of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, an Israeli military strike hit the Holy Family Church in Gaza City on Thursday, killing three Palestinian Christians and wounding several others. The attack, which occurred amid heavy fighting in the region, has prompted international outcry and widespread condemnation.

The strike occurred on July 17, 2025, during an Israeli military operation aimed at Hamas targets in Gaza. According to the Israeli military, a preliminary investigation suggests that shrapnel from a shell fired during the operation accidentally hit the church. However, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and local officials have stated that the Israeli attack directly targeted the church, which has served as a refuge for hundreds of displaced Palestinians since the beginning of the war in October 2023.

The three victims—Saad Salameh, Foumia Ayyad, and another unnamed individual—were attending a memorial service for those killed in the conflict when the strike occurred. The attack also left more than 10 others injured, including Father Gabriel Romanelli, a priest who has been serving at the church and providing regular video messages with the late Pope Francis, who passed away in April 2025. Father Romanelli sustained leg injuries in the bombing but is reportedly in stable condition.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed "deep regret" for the strike in a statement issued shortly after the attack, acknowledging that it was "an error" and that Israel would investigate the incident. "Every innocent life lost is a tragedy," Netanyahu said. "We share the pain of the families and the faithful."

In Washington, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump had spoken with Netanyahu following the attack, with the Israeli leader reportedly acknowledging the mistake. The Israeli government's statement further expressed its sorrow for the loss of life and its commitment to ensuring such incidents are avoided in the future.

However, the attack has sparked strong condemnation from leaders around the world. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the bombing as "unacceptable" and expressed solidarity with the Christian community in Palestine. "I spoke with Cardinal Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and assured him of France's unwavering support for all Christians in Palestine," Macron stated.

Pope Francis, who had been in regular contact with the church's priest, also expressed his "deep sorrow" following the attack and renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The Vatican has expressed its concerns about the mounting civilian casualties and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.

The Holy Family Church, one of the few Catholic churches left in Gaza, has long been a symbol of resilience and refuge for the Christian community, which has dwindled significantly due to the violence. Currently, about 135 Catholics remain in Gaza, among a population of over two million people, many of whom are living under siege and facing the threat of famine.

Father Romanelli, speaking from his hospital bed, recounted the horrors of the attack: "A tank targeted the church, and many civilians, including elderly people and children, were killed and injured. This is a sacred place, and no one should ever target such sites," he said. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has described the attack as a violation of international law, emphasizing that religious sites should always provide a sanctuary for those fleeing violence, not be targets of military strikes.

International Reactions and Continuing Crisis

The international community's reactions have been swift. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the Israeli airstrikes, calling them "unacceptable" and urging for greater protection of civilian lives. The French government also labeled the attack on the church as "inadmissible" and called for greater accountability in the conflict.

As of Thursday, 25 Palestinians were reported killed in the Israeli airstrikes, bringing the death toll from the ongoing conflict to more than 58,000 people, the majority of them civilians. The United Nations has warned that Gaza is on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe, with food and medical supplies running low and infrastructure severely damaged by the relentless bombardment.

The war, which began on October 7, 2023, has brought devastation to both Gaza and Israel, with casualties on both sides mounting. While Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas, the civilian cost of the conflict continues to rise. As international pressure grows, calls for a ceasefire have intensified, yet meaningful negotiations remain stalled.