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On 17 July 2025, an Israeli military strike hit Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City, killing three civilians and injuring several others, including parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli, according to Vatican sources. The church, Gaza’s only Catholic parish, had been serving as a refuge for displaced civilians amid ongoing conflict.
🗣️ UN Response
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack as “unacceptable”, calling for:
- An immediate ceasefire
- The unconditional release of all hostages
- Greater protection for civilians and places of worship
UN spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay emphasized that the church was a sanctuary, stating:
“People seeking shelter must be respected and protected, not hit by strikes. Too many lives have already been lost”.
🇮🇱 Israeli Reaction
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret in a call with Pope Leo XIV, describing the incident as a “tragic accident” caused by stray munitions. The Israel Defense Forces have launched an internal investigation.
🕯️ Religious and Humanitarian Response
Church leaders, including Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III, visited the site to offer pastoral support and oversee humanitarian aid deliveries.
Pope Leo XIV, early in his papacy, reiterated calls for:
- A negotiated ceasefire
- Protection of religious sites
- Urgent humanitarian relief for Gaza’s civilian population
⚖️ Legal Framework
Under international humanitarian law, religious buildings are protected civilian objects unless used for military purposes. Relevant statutes include:
- Geneva Conventions (Article 53, Protocol I)
- ICRC Customary Law (Rule 38)
- Rome Statute of the ICC (Article 8(2)(b)(ix))
The incident has intensified scrutiny of military conduct in densely populated areas and renewed calls for accountability and restraint.
You can read more from UN News and JURIST’s legal coverage.
