A morning raid by Israeli forces has struck the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, resulting in injuries and reported fatalities among the Catholic community, including the parish priest.
According to an official press release by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the attack caused damage to the church building and left several people wounded, including Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest.
“Currently there are no fatalities confirmed. The Church sustained damage. The Patriarchate will provide additional details upon their confirmation,” the release stated.
Later updates from Catholic Arena on X reported that two Catholics were killed in the Israeli bombing of the church.
Parishioners and the priest were reportedly inside the building at the time of the strike. Images circulating online show the structural damage to the church and rescue efforts underway.
Fr. Gabriel Romanelli IVE was injured in the attack, as were several parishioners. Reports say the priest is receiving treatment for his wounds.
GAZA
— Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) July 17, 2025
Images of Holy Family Church in Gaza after damage from an ISRAEL raid this morning
The parish priest Fr. Gabriel Romanelli sustained injured along with others pic.twitter.com/vwMkjav3MG
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has condemned the strike, calling for accountability and respect for religious institutions. “This is an unacceptable attack on a place of worship and the faithful who were gathered there,” she said.
IDF Response
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the incident in a statement shared on X:
The IDF is aware of reports regarding damage caused to the Holy Family Church in Gaza City and casualties at the scene. The circumstances of the incident are under review. The IDF makes every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and civilian structures, including religious sites, and regrets any damage caused to them. pic.twitter.com/EHsq4OpPbz
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) July 17, 2025
Israel Foreign Ministry Responds
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel issued a public statement on X following the damage to Gaza’s Holy Family Catholic Church:
Israel expresses deep sorrow over the damage to the Holy Family Church in Gaza City and over any civilian casualty.
— Israel Foreign Ministry 🇮🇱 (@IsraelMFA) July 17, 2025
The IDF is examining this incident, the circumstances of which are still unclear, and the results of the investigation will be published transparently.
Israel never targets churches or religious sites and regrets any harm to a religious site or to uninvolved civilians.
The Patriarchate said further information will be released once confirmed, and has asked for prayers for the wounded and for peace in the region.
This story is developing.
⚠️ This is a breaking news story. It will be updated as more information becomes available.
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