Gaza’s only Catholic Church hit by Israeli forces, 3 killed, priest among the injured

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 5 p.m. EST July 17 to reflect a revised death toll from the strike, increasing from two to three confirmed fatalities.

An Israeli tank struck Gaza’s only Catholic Church, Holy Family Church, July 17, ultimately killing three and injuring several others, including the parish priest, according to Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa. 

Cardinal Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the strike was accidental but emphasized the church was hit directly. 

“What we know for sure is that a tank, the IDF says by mistake, but we are not sure about this, they hit the Church directly,” Cardinal Pizzaballa told Vatican News shortly after the attack, “the Church of the Holy Family, the Latin Church.”

“There are four people seriously wounded,” he continued. “Among these four, two are in very dramatic conditions and their lives are in serious danger.” 

Both later died from their injuries, Vatican News reported. Parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli was among those lightly wounded. 

Images shared online show the church’s roof and interior in ruins, though the crucifix atop the building appears to have withstood the strike. 

In a statement on X, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein expressed “deep sorrow over the damage” and “any civilian casualties.” 

“Israel never targets churches or religious sites,” he said, “and regrets any harm to a religious site or to uninvolved civilians.”

He added that the IDF is reviewing the incident. 

Since the war began in October 2023, Holy Family Church has served as a refuge for Gaza’s Christians. It previously offered shelter and aid to the community and has continued to minister the Sacraments to its parishioners throughout the war.

Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for the victims and called for an immediate ceasefire in a telegram signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

“He assures the parish priest, Father Gabriele Romanelli, and the whole parish community of his spiritual closeness,” the message read. “In commending the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of almighty God, the Holy Father prays for the consolation of those who grieve and for the recovery of the injured.” 

“His Holiness renews his call for an immediate ceasefire,” it continued, “and he expresses his profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation and enduring peace in the region.”