Israel Regrets Deadly Strike on Gaza Catholic Church After US Pressure
The Israeli military has expressed regret after a strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to at least ten others. The incident occurred on Thursday, July 17, 2025, amidst ongoing conflict in the region. The church, the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, was sheltering hundreds of displaced Palestinians, including Christians, Muslims, and children with disabilities.
The deceased have been identified as Saad Salameh, a 60-year-old janitor, and Fumayya Ayyad, an 84-year-old woman receiving psychosocial support at the church. The parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, was among those injured.
According to the Israeli military, an initial assessment indicated that "fragments from a shell fired during operational activity in the area hit the church mistakenly." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office released a statement expressing "deep regret," adding, "Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share the grief of the families and the faithful."
US President Trump's Intervention and International Condemnation
The Israeli statement of regret reportedly followed a phone call from US President Donald Trump, who expressed a "not positive reaction" to the news of the strike. The incident has drawn strong condemnation from religious leaders and the international community. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also condemned the strike.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni directly blamed Israel, stating that "attacks on the civilian population that Israel has been demonstrating for months are unacceptable."
Details of the Strike on Holy Family Church
The Holy Family Catholic Church, located in Gaza City, sustained significant damage as a result of the Israeli shell. The church served as a sanctuary for hundreds of displaced individuals seeking refuge from the ongoing conflict. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the governing body for Catholics in the Holy Land, has vehemently condemned the strike, characterizing it as an "unjustified" targeting of innocent civilians and a sacred place.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, expressed skepticism regarding the Israeli military's claim that the strike was accidental, stating, "we are not sure about this" in reference to the explanation.
Context of the Gaza Conflict
The strike on the Holy Family Church occurred amidst continued Israeli strikes in Gaza. The Gaza Health Ministry reported 94 people killed and 367 wounded in Israeli strikes in the 24 hours surrounding the incident. Reports also indicated that other civilian sites, including schools sheltering displaced people, were hit on the same day.
The current Gaza war began on October 7, 2023, with a cross-border attack on Israel by Hamas. The last ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas ended in March 2025, leading to renewed hostilities.
Stakeholders and Their Positions
Several key stakeholders are involved in this conflict:
- Holy Family Church: The only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, serving a small Christian community in a predominantly Muslim territory. The late Pope Francis had maintained close contact with the church's priest throughout the war. Pope Leo XIV has now renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire.
- Displaced Civilians: Hundreds of displaced people, including vulnerable populations like children with disabilities, sought refuge in the church.
- Israeli Military (IDF): Maintains that it targets only militant objectives and makes efforts to avoid civilian harm, while accusing Hamas of operating from civilian areas.
- Hamas: The militant group controlling Gaza, whose October 7, 2023 attack initiated the current escalation.
- Palestinians in Gaza: Experiencing widespread displacement and casualties, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 58,600 Palestinians killed since the start of the conflict.
- Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem: Has strongly condemned the strike as an "unjustified" targeting of innocent civilians and a sacred place.
Controversy and Public Reaction
The Israeli military's claim that the strike on the church was a "mistake" has been met with skepticism. The repeated strikes on civilian infrastructure, despite Israeli claims of mitigation efforts, have fueled controversy. The Latin Patriarchate emphasized that this tragedy is part of a broader pattern of "death, suffering and destruction... everywhere" in Gaza.
Consequences and Implications
The strike further exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and highlights the immense risks faced by civilians seeking shelter. It adds to the international pressure on Israel regarding its military conduct and intensifies calls for an immediate and enduring ceasefire. The incident could further strain diplomatic relations, particularly with nations and religious institutions that have historically championed the protection of religious sites and civilian lives.
