Israeli Strike on Gaza Church Kills Three, Sparks International Condemnation
An Israeli military strike hit the Holy Family Church in Gaza on Thursday, July 17, 2025, resulting in the deaths of three people and injuries to ten others. The incident, which targeted the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, has ignited a wave of condemnation from international leaders, including Pope Leo XIV and then-President Donald Trump.
The victims were identified as Saad Salameh (60), the church's janitor, Fumayya Ayyad (84), and Najwa Abu Daoud (69), according to Caritas Internationalis. At the time of the attack, hundreds of displaced people, including Christians, Muslims, children, and people with disabilities, were sheltering within the church compound.
Netanyahu Expresses Regret, Pope Calls for Ceasefire
Following the strike, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu contacted Pope Leo XIV on Friday, July 18, 2025. During their conversation, Pope Leo XIV reiterated his urgent appeal for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the ongoing conflict. He also emphasized the critical need to protect places of worship and ensure the safety of all people residing in Palestine and Israel.
Pope Leo XIV also issued a telegram of condolences expressing his hope for dialogue, reconciliation, and enduring peace. The Israeli military acknowledged the incident, stating that an initial assessment indicated "fragments from a shell fired during operational activity in the area hit the church mistakenly." They expressed regret for the unintended harm and announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the strike.
Church Leaders Condemn Attack as Violation of Human Dignity
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the body overseeing the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, strongly condemned the attack, labeling it a "blatant affront to human dignity and a grave violation of the sanctity of life and the inviolability of religious sites." The Patriarchate confirmed the attack and its severe consequences for those seeking refuge within the church's walls.
Broader Context: Repeated Attacks on Religious Sites
This recent strike on the Holy Family Church is not an isolated incident. It comes amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, triggered by Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which has led to a large-scale Israeli military offensive and a severe humanitarian crisis. Prior incidents involving religious sites include:
- October 19, 2023: Part of the Church of Saint Porphyrius (Greek Orthodox) in Gaza City was damaged by an Israeli airstrike, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 Palestinian civilians who were sheltering there.
- December 16, 2023: An Israeli sniper reportedly killed two Christian women, Nahida Khalil Anton and her daughter Samar Kamal Anton, inside the Holy Family Church compound. The Latin Patriarchate reported that seven others were shot and wounded while attempting to help. Israel acknowledged an "incident" but stated troops operated against a threat in the area.
The Holy Family Church: A Sanctuary Under Fire
The Holy Family Church, the only Catholic church in Gaza, has served as a refuge for hundreds of displaced civilians, including both Christians and Muslims, since the escalation of the conflict in October 2023. Despite its role as a sanctuary, the church has been struck multiple times.
Controversy and Differing Accounts
Despite Israel's explanation of a "mistake" caused by "stray ammunition," questions remain regarding the circumstances of the strike. Critics, including the Latin Patriarchate, have challenged this account, with some alleging that a tank directly targeted the church. The incident has been widely perceived as yet another example of attacks on civilian infrastructure and religious sites within the conflict zone.
Public and International Reaction
The attack has provoked widespread condemnation from international actors and heightened tensions in the region. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni directly blamed Israel, stating, "The attacks on the civilian population that Israel has been demonstrating for months are unacceptable."
The strike also drew a rare expression of frustration from then-US President Donald Trump, reflecting growing international concern over the conflict's impact on civilians. Pope Leo XIV's renewed calls for a ceasefire and dialogue further underscore the urgency of de-escalation and the protection of vulnerable populations.
Concerns Over Civilian Safety Persist
The attack on the Holy Family Church has intensified concerns regarding the targeting of places of worship and civilian shelters during the conflict. Reports, including those from a UN commission, have raised serious questions about potential violations of international law. Concerns about the targeting of places of worship and civilian shelters persist, with some reports, including a UN commission report, suggesting Israel has committed the crime against humanity of "extermination" by attacking civilians sheltering in religious sites and schools.
