Israeli attack hits Gaza’s only Catholic church, leaving Christian refugees dead

On July 17, 2025, an Israeli tank shell hit the compound of the Holy Family Church in Deir al-Balah, the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, used as a shelter for hundreds of displaced people, both Christian and Muslim. At least three people died, including two civilians who died during surgery and a third victim confirmed later. At least ten were also injured, including Father Gabriel Romanelli.

The deceased were identified as Najwa Abu Daoud, Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh, and Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad. The attack caused severe damage to the church: a charred façade, shattered windows, and a damaged roof near the main cross.

The Israeli General Staff described the incident as an unintentional “scattered ordnance” and announced an investigation, while church structures, such as the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, questioned this account and demanded a thorough investigation.

Pope Leo XIV, addressing the world during his Sunday Angelus, expressed his “profound sorrow” and urged an immediate ceasefire, urging the international community to respect humanitarian law, protect civilians, and prevent forced displacement, the indiscriminate use of force, and collective punishment.

This event is part of a broader conflict that began after the Hamas attack in October 2023. Since then, according to health authorities in Gaza, more than 58,000 people have died, and access to food, medical care, and food security has been severely limited.