Israel Strikes Gaza Church, Killing Three and Wounding Priest Close to Pope Francis

DEIR AL-BALAH , July 17, 2025 — An Israeli strike hit the Holy Family Catholic Church in the Gaza Strip on July 17, killing three civilians and injuring ten others — among them Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest who had maintained a close rapport with the late Pope Francis .

Casualties and Shelter Under Fire

The victims included a 60-year-old janitor, an 84-year-old woman receiving psychosocial care, and another elderly individual . At the time, the church compound was reportedly sheltering hundreds of displaced Palestinians—Christians and Muslims alike—and dozens with disabilities .

Father Romanelli was lightly wounded in the strike. He gained international attention for his nightly communications with Pope Francis during the conflict .

Sacred Sites and Military Risk

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem strongly condemned the incident as a violation of religious sanctity and humanitarian protection, while the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate echoed those concerns . Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the strike on a civilian place of worship as “unacceptable” .

Israel’s Response

The Israel Defense Forces acknowledged the church was struck, terming it a probable unauthorized or stray shelling during routine military operations. The military said it was investigating the incident and emphasized that its policy is not to target religious sites . The Foreign Ministry expressed “deep sorrow” and pledged a transparent review .

Global Reactions and Ceasefire Appeals

Pope Leo XIV — who succeeded Pope Francis in April — renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire, sending condolences to the injured priest and victims’ families . The Vatican, along with religious and political leaders worldwide, decried the breach of a sanctuary that has housed civilians since early in the Gaza conflict .

The attack on the church coincided with continued hostilities across Gaza; in the same 24 hours, at least 94 Palestinians were reported killed and 367 injured .

 Analysis: Symbolism and Tactical Implications

1. Sanctuary vs. Strike Zone
Religious sites sheltering civilians are protected under international humanitarian law. Direct or indirect strikes on such locations travel beyond tactical errors—they carry symbolic and moral ramifications.

2. The Role of International Advocacy
Father Romanelli’s close association with Pope Francis—who frequently connected with him amid the war—personified the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The attack intensifies global scrutiny and adds moral pressure on Israel to exercise greater caution.

3. Escalation Amid Fragile Diplomacy
This incident exacerbates tensions just as indirect ceasefire negotiations continue. Any perceived targeting of civilian sanctuaries could derail fragile diplomatic momentum.

The strike on the Holy Family Church is more than a tragic event—it’s a flashpoint in the global narrative surrounding the Gaza conflict, complicating both Israel’s military posture and ongoing peacemaking efforts. As investigations proceed, the broader impact will unfold in media, diplomacy, and perhaps, international judicial arenas.