From the Liveblog of
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Israeli strike said to damage Gaza’s only Catholic church
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleGaza’s sole Catholic church, the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, was struck by Israel this morning, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem tells The Times of Israel.
Four people were badly injured, and four lightly hurt, says a spokesperson for the Protecting Holy Land Christians campaign.
Doctors at al-Ahli hospital say two women were killed, though the toll cannot be verified.
Pictures show part of the church’s roof missing a chunk, as well as damage to windows.
In a deeply shocking incident, an Israeli drone strike targeted the #Church of the Latin Convent in the heart of #Gaza City. Since October 7, 2023, the church represents a vital sanctuary for hundreds of displaced Palestinians. pic.twitter.com/IAOzIa9Pvd
— Palestine International Broadcast (@PBI_PS) July 17, 2025
The church’s priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, was lightly injured in his leg, Italy’s ANSA news agency says.
“Israeli raids on Gaza also hit the Holy Family Church,” tweets Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. “The attacks against the civilian population that Israel has been carrying out for months are unacceptable. No military action can justify such behavior.”
The IDF tells The Times of Israel that it is looking into the claims.
The Times of Israel Community.