Israeli Airstrike Hits Gaza’s Only Catholic Church: Civilians Killed, Priest Injured
One of Gaza's few havens of calm has been hit by a new tragedy during a war that has already claimed tens of thousands of lives. At least three individuals were killed and several more, including the parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli, were injured after an Israeli bomb struck the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza on July 17, 2025. This was an assault on more than just a structure; it was an assault on humanity, hope, and the notion that certain locations may remain secure even in times of conflict. Holy Family Church: What Is It? The only Catholic church in Gaza is the Holy Family Church, which is situated in the center of Deir al-Balah. It has traditionally been used as a humanitarian haven for hundreds of civilians, including Christians and Muslims, during times of violence, in addition to being a place of prayer for Gaza's small Christian minority. It is not only a church. In an area plagued by decades of violence, it has served as a refuge, a counseling facilit...