Israeli Strike On Catholic Church In Gaza Sparks Widespread Outrage

Israel is currently facing intense backlash following the July 17 attack on the Holy Family Church, the only Catholic church in Gaza. Church officials confirmed that three people were killed and ten others, including the parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli, were wounded. The attack by the Israel Defense Forces drew swift condemnations from around the world and is likely to have lasting negative effects on Israel's worldwide diplomatic connections.

The Holy Family Church has long been the centre of worship for Gaza’s Christian population. A 2024 US Department of State report indicates that Gaza's Christian community numbers around 1,100, with Greek Orthodox constituting the majority, alongside a Roman Catholic presence. During the intense conflict, the location served as a place of refuge, sheltering hundreds of Palestinian civilians, including Muslims as well as Christians. The church compound was also sheltering a number of children with disabilities.

The church gained international recognition due to its profound connection with the late Pope Francis, who maintained almost daily contact with the parish throughout the ongoing war. Argentine parish priest Romanelli consistently informed the late Pope Francis about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through calls and messages.

Reportedly, about 450 displaced individuals were at the church compound when it was attacked on Thursday. Among those killed in the attack were the parish's 60-year-old janitor and an 84-year-old woman receiving psychosocial support, according to Catholic charity Caritas Jerusalem. Reuters footage taken at the hospital revealed the parish priest's minor injuries, including a bandaged left leg.

Following the attack, Pope Leo, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, called for an immediate ceasefire, dialogue, and peace in the region. Pope Leo also highlighted his deep concern over Gaza's rapidly deteriorating humanitarian conditions, calling urgent attention to the need for the protection of places of worship. Meanwhile, a religious delegation, including Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the Greek Orthodox Patriarch, made a visit to the Holy Family Church on Friday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a call from US President Donald Trump shortly after the attack. Netanyahu reportedly told Trump the attack “was a mistake by the Israelis.” During Thursday's press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt characterised President Trump's reaction to the strike as "not positive." Netanyahu also issued a clarification on the incident after Trump's intervention. Cardinal Pizzaballa, however, expressed doubt that the strike was an accident. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also sharply criticised the attack, labelling Israel's months-long targeting of civilian populations as unacceptable.