Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza struck amid conflict, raising concerns for civilians and Christian minority

By bellecarter // 2025-07-21

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The Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City was damaged by Israeli tank shelling, resulting in three fatalities and multiple injuries, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, who is in stable condition.
The church had been serving as a refuge for civilians, including children with disabilities, highlighting the vulnerability of non-combatants amidst the conflict. The incident has raised international criticism, with leaders like Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemning the attack.
The attack has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for an immediate ceasefire. Pope Leo XIV expressed spiritual closeness to the affected community and called for dialogue and reconciliation to ensure enduring peace.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry apologized for the damage and casualties, stating that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are investigating the incident. The IDF has promised to publish the results transparently, though this has done little to alleviate international concerns.
The incident underscores the escalating violence in Gaza, with rising civilian casualties and the vulnerability of minority groups like Christians. The international community, including the UN and EU, is urging both sides to return to negotiations and protect civilians and religious sites.

A Catholic church in Gaza City became the latest casualty of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, resulting in the deaths of three people and injuries to several others – including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli. The Holy Family Catholic Church – home to a small Catholic community of about 135 people – had been serving as a refuge for civilians, including children with disabilities, seeking safety from the relentless Israeli strikes. Witnesses claim that the damage to the church was caused by Israeli tank shelling, a claim that has been met with an apology from Israeli officials. Romanelli, known for his close ties to the Vatican and his regular communications with the late Pope Francis, was injured in the attack but is reported to be in stable condition. The initial death toll was two, but a third person has since succumbed to injuries. Fadel Naem, acting director of Al-Ahli Hospital, confirmed that both Christians and Muslims were among those affected by the attack. The incident has sparked a wave of international criticism. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a Catholic, was quick to condemn the attack. "The attacks on the civilian population that Israel has been demonstrating for months are unacceptable. No military action can justify such an attitude," she said. Her sentiments were echoed by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who called the strike a "serious act against a Christian place of worship." Both leaders have called for an immediate cessation of violence. Pope Leo XIV, the incumbent head of the Roman Catholic Church, expressed his spiritual closeness to the parish community and commended the souls of the deceased to the mercy of God. "I renew my call for an immediate ceasefire," the successor to the late Pope Francis said in a statement. "Only dialogue and reconciliation can ensure enduring peace." Meanwhile, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the damage to the church and any civilian casualties. "The IDF is examining this incident, the circumstances of which are still unclear and the results of the investigation will be published transparently," the statement read. This apology, however, has done little to quell the growing international concern over the escalating violence in Gaza.

Escalating violence and civilian casualties

The attack on the Holy Family Catholic Church comes amid intensified Israeli strikes across Gaza, where civilian casualties continue to rise. On the same day, 22 people were reported killed, further fueling fears for the safety of the region's small Christian population. The incident has brought into sharp focus the vulnerability of civilians caught in the crossfire of the conflict. (Related: Israeli strikes kill 88 Palestinians in 24 hours as Gaza faces catastrophic hunger crisis.) As the conflict rages on, calls for reconciliation have grown louder – with the incident at the Holy Family Catholic Church underscoring the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The international community has a crucial role to play in bringing an end to the violence. The United Nations, the European Union and other international bodies have called for restraint and urged both sides to return to the negotiating table. The attack on the church has also prompted renewed calls for the protection of civilians and religious sites in conflict zones. In the end, the incident at the Holy Family Catholic Church is a sobering reminder of the need for compassion and understanding in the face of conflict. It is a call to action for all those who seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Watch the video below that talks about genocide in Gaza through the eyes of laughing Israeli soldiers. This video is from the Truth John 14:6 channel on Brighteon.com.

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Escalating violence and civilian casualties

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