Dan Palraz / Wikimedia Commons
An Israeli tank struck Gaza’s only Catholic parish, Holy Family Church, July 17, killing three and injuring several others, including the parish priest. The strike triggered strong reactions from several world leaders, including President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the strike was accidental but emphasized the church was hit directly Thursday morning.
“What we know for sure is that a tank, the IDF says by mistake, but we are not sure about this, they hit the Church directly,” Cardinal Pizzaballa told Vatican News shortly after the attack.
Parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli was among the wounded and received treatment for a superficial injury. Several others suffered serious injuries, including three people – a man and two women – who died from their wounds.
Trump decried the strike in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Leavitt described the president’s reaction as “not positive” during a press briefing.
Trump “called Prime Minister Netanyahu this morning to address the strikes on that church in Gaza, and I understand the prime minister agreed to put out a statement,” Leavitt said. She added that Netanyahu told Trump the attack “was a mistake by the Israelis.”
In Netanyahu’s public statement, he said the hit was the result of “stray ammunition.”
“Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church,” Netanyahu stated. “Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share the grief of the families and the faithful.”
“Israel is investigating the incident,” he added, “and remains committed to protecting civilians and holy sites.”
Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for the victims and called for an immediate ceasefire in a telegram signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
“He assures the parish priest, Father Gabriele Romanelli, and the whole parish community of his spiritual closeness,” the message read. “In commending the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of almighty God, the Holy Father prays for the consolation of those who grieve and for the recovery of the injured.”
“His Holiness renews his call for an immediate ceasefire,” it continued, “and he expresses his profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation and enduring peace in the region.”
Images shared online show the damage the church sustained. The crucifix atop the building appears to have withstood the strike.
Since the war began in October 2023, Holy Family Church has served as a refuge for Gaza’s Christians. It previously offered shelter and aid to the community and has continued to minister the Sacraments to its parishioners throughout the war.
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 5 p.m. EST July 17 to reflect a revised death toll from the strike, increasing from two to three confirmed fatalities.
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