Deadly Gaza Catholic Church Attack Sparks Global Outcry, Calls for Ceasefire
Gaza City, Gaza Strip – A devastating incident in the Gaza Strip has ignited international condemnation after an Israeli military strike reportedly hit the Holy Family Catholic Church, the sole Catholic church in the Muslim-majority Palestinian territory, on Thursday. The attack resulted in the deaths of three people and injured several others, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, prompting swift reactions from world leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV.
The Incident: A “Stray Bullet” Amidst Conflict
According to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which oversees the Catholic community in the Holy Land, the Holy Family Church compound was struck by a shell. Among those killed were a 60-year-old janitor and an 84-year-old woman receiving psychosocial support inside a Caritas tent within the church grounds. The church had been sheltering hundreds of displaced people, including children and individuals with disabilities, seeking refuge from the ongoing conflict. Father Gabriel Romanelli sustained light injuries to his leg. Witnesses and the Latin Patriarchate initially suggested that a tank shell had directly hit the church, causing significant damage, including to the roof and windows.
The Israeli military (IDF) released initial findings stating that “fragments of a shell fired during combat operations in the area hit the church by mistake.” The IDF reiterated its policy of striking only military targets and making “every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and religious structures,” expressing regret for any “unintended damage.” This explanation comes amidst Israel’s long-standing claims that Hamas utilizes civilian areas and infrastructure as “human shields” for their operations. However, at the time of the incident, there were no immediate reports of Hamas presence within or near the Holy Family Church.
Global Reactions: Regret, Condemnation, and Calls for Peace
The incident drew immediate and strong responses from the international community:
- US President Donald Trump: The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump expressed a “not positive” reaction to the incident. He promptly called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address the matter. White House press secretary Carolyn Levitt stated that Netanyahu conveyed to Trump that the attack on the Catholic church was a “mistake made by the Israelis.”
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: Following his call with President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu issued a statement expressing Israel’s “deep regret” for the “stray bullet that hit the Holy Family Church in Gaza.” He emphasized that “every loss of an innocent life is a tragedy” and extended condolences to the victims’ families. Netanyahu also stated that Israel is investigating the incident and “remains committed to protecting civilians and holy sites,” thanking Pope Leo XIV for his “words of comfort.”
- Pope Leo XIV: Deeply saddened by the news, Pope Leo XIV released a statement on the X social media platform. He assured the parish community of his spiritual solidarity and entrusted the souls of the deceased to God’s mercy, praying for the families and the wounded. Crucially, the Pope reiterated his urgent call for an “immediate ceasefire,” stating that “only dialogue and reconciliation can bring lasting peace!”
- US State Department: Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce indicated that Washington viewed Netanyahu’s response as an apology and an “appropriate beginning” to a military review of Israel’s mistaken attack on the Gaza church.
- Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem: The Patriarchate strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “flagrant violation of human dignity and a blatant violation of the sanctity of life and the inviolability of religious sites, which are meant to serve as safe havens during times of war.” They appealed to leaders to “raise their voices and to do all that is necessary in order to stop this tragedy which is humanly and morally unjustified.”
Context of the Ongoing Conflict
The strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church occurred amidst the protracted conflict between the Israeli military and the Hamas terrorist group in the Gaza Strip. This latest escalation of hostilities began in October 2023, following a significant incursion by Hamas into Israeli territory. The conflict has led to widespread destruction, displacement, and a dire humanitarian situation for the civilian population in Gaza.
The Holy Family Catholic Church, as the only Catholic church in the region, has historically served as a sanctuary for both Christian and Muslim residents seeking safety during periods of intense fighting. The incident underscores the severe challenges faced by civilians in conflict zones and the increasing international pressure for a de-escalation and a lasting resolution. Israel has maintained that it takes extensive precautions to avoid civilian casualties, while critics argue that its military operations in densely populated areas inevitably lead to civilian harm.
Investigations into the precise circumstances of the church strike are ongoing, with calls for transparency and accountability from various international bodies and leaders. The tragic event serves as a sombre reminder of the human cost of the ongoing conflict and amplifies the global chorus for an immediate end to hostilities and a renewed focus on diplomatic solutions.
