An Israeli airstrike on Gaza’s only Catholic church has killed two civilians, according to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, sparking condemnation and renewed concerns over civilian safety in the ongoing conflict.
The incident occurred Thursday at the Holy Family Church compound in Gaza City. In a statement, the Patriarchate confirmed:
“With deep sorrow, the Latin Patriarchate can now confirm that two persons were killed as a result of an apparent strike by the Israeli army that hit the Holy Family Compound this morning. We pray for the rest of their souls and for the end of this barbaric war. Nothing can justify the targeting of innocent civilians.”
Gaza’s civil defence agency also reported that Israeli strikes across the territory killed at least 20 people on the same day.
Pope Leo XIV expressed his grief over the attack, saying he was “deeply saddened,” while emphasizing his concern for civilians trapped in the warzone. The Holy Family Church was known to have maintained contact with Pope Francis throughout the war.
Photographs from AFP showed wounded individuals receiving care in makeshift medical tents at Al-Ahli Hospital (also known as the Baptist Hospital). Parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli was seen with a bandage around his leg, suggesting he was among the injured.
The Patriarchate, which oversees Catholic institutions in Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Cyprus, condemned the strike for destroying significant parts of the church complex. It stated the compound was sheltering around 600 displaced people, including many children and over 50 people with special needs.
“Targeting a holy site currently sheltering hundreds of vulnerable civilians is a flagrant violation of human dignity and the sanctity of life,” the Patriarchate said.
In response, Israel’s foreign ministry expressed “deep sorrow” over the casualties and said an investigation was underway.
“Israel never targets churches or religious sites and regrets any harm to a religious site or to uninvolved civilians,” the ministry said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Statement from the Prime Minister's Office:
Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza's Holy Family Church. Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share the grief of the families and the faithful.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 17, 2025
