Israeli Strike Hits Gaza’s Only Catholic Church, Sparks International Outcry/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ An Israeli shell struck the Holy Family Catholic Church compound in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, killing two people and injuring several others. Hundreds of displaced Palestinians—both Christian and Muslim—had been sheltering there. Pope Leo XIV and global religious leaders have urged an immediate ceasefire in response to the attack.
Gaza Church Strike: Quick Looks
- Tragic Toll: Two killed—a 60-year-old janitor and an 84-year-old woman—several injured, including priest Fr. Gabriele Romanelli.
- Shelter at Risk: Hundreds of displaced Palestinians found refuge in the costly-damaged compound.
- Papal Plea: Pope Leo XIV demands immediate ceasefire and reconciliation.
- Vatican Condolences: Cardinal Parolin sends expressions of sorrow and hope for peace.
- Investigation Underway: Israeli military acknowledges damage and vows review.
- Rare Apology: Israel’s Foreign Ministry expresses “deep sorrow” publicly.
- Italian Criticism: PM Meloni condemns civilian attacks as “unacceptable”.
- Ceasefire Talks: Concurrent negotiations with Hamas show slight flexibility.
- Wider Toll: Strike on refugee camp schools also kills one and injures 17.
- Humanitarian Crisis: Gaza death toll surpasses 58,000; women and children majority.
Israeli Strike Hits Gaza’s Only Catholic Church, Sparks International Outcry
Deep Look
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — At least two people were killed and several others wounded Wednesday when an Israeli shell struck the compound of Gaza’s only Catholic church, Holy Family Church, in Deir al-Balah. The shelling shattered what had become a sanctuary for hundreds of displaced Palestinians seeking refuge from weeks of relentless conflict.
The Dead and Injured
- Victims Identified: The parish’s 60-year-old janitor and an 84-year-old woman were killed. The woman was receiving support in a Catholic charity tent during the attack.
- Injured: The parish priest, Fr. Gabriele Romanelli—who had formed a close relationship with Pope Francis—sustained minor injuries.
- Both Christian and Muslim families, including children with disabilities, had taken shelter in the compound, underlining the strike’s indiscriminate impact on civilians.
Global Condemnation
Pope Leo XIV, through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, sent a telegram urging dialogue, reconciliation, and permanent peace. The Vatican emphatically labeled the shelling a grave affront to human dignity and a violation of religious sanctity.
Israel’s military issued a rare public apology via its Foreign Ministry, expressing sorrow over civilian harm. The military said it was aware of damage to the church and investigating the incident. Israeli officials pointed to concerns that militants, including Hamas, operate within civilian areas—though this claim remains unverified.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni joined in condemnation, asserting that attacks against civilians are “unacceptable,” as the Italian government demands accountability from the Israeli military.
Background & Larger Conflict Context
The church lies near Al-Ahli Hospital, a frequent target of nearby bombardments. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and local church authorities say the compound sheltered hundreds of displaced persons, including about 54 individuals with disabilities, stressing that the facility functioned as a lasting refuge from war.
In parallel, another Israeli strike on two schools in Al-Bureij refugee camp killed one person and wounded 17, according to Gaza’s Al-Awda Hospital. These humanitarian locations have consistently been struck for weeks, further deepening the crisis.
Ceasefire Efforts Remain Stalled
While talks between Israel and Hamas continue, progress appears limited. Israeli officials say they have shown “flexibility” on certain security corridor arrangements in southern Gaza. However, major sticking points—such as hostage exchanges and permanent ceasefire terms—remain unresolved. Israel still holds around 50 hostages, about half believed to be alive.
War Devastation Statistics
Since the cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which claimed around 1,200 lives and led to 251 abductions, Israel’s military response has resulted in massive civilian casualties. Gaza’s Health Ministry estimates over 58,000 fatalities, with women and children accounting for more than half—statistics widely cited by UN and humanitarian groups as the most credible.
