The thunderous crash of explosives ripped through Gaza’s Holy Family Catholic Church on Saturday, sending shockwaves through the Christian community as the compound – one of the last sanctuaries for displaced civilians – became the latest casualty in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest, was among those injured when two missiles struck the church compound, according to a statement from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The attack damaged the convent of the Sisters of Mother Teresa, which houses 54 disabled people, and caused significant destruction to the church’s solar panels and water tanks – critical infrastructure for the hundreds seeking refuge there.
“The targeting of civilian infrastructure, especially places of worship that are currently sheltering thousands of displaced persons, represents a deeply troubling escalation,” said Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. “These facilities are protected under international humanitarian law.”
The Israeli military has not yet provided specific details about the church strike but stated it was investigating the incident. Military officials have repeatedly claimed their operations target Hamas militants who allegedly use civilian structures, including religious buildings, as operational bases – claims that humanitarian organizations have questioned given the pattern of strikes on civilian infrastructure.
Since the war began following Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, Gaza’s tiny Christian community has faced unprecedented dangers. The Holy Family parish has been serving as a haven for approximately 600 displaced Palestinians, Christian and Muslim alike, according to church officials.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as the explosions sent debris flying across the compound. “We heard the first explosion and ran for cover, but the second strike came before many could reach shelter,” said Mariam Abukhader, who has been sheltering at the church since November. “Children were screaming, and people were frantically searching for their family members amid the dust and confusion.”
The strike comes amid intensifying Israeli military operations in Gaza City and growing international concern about civilian casualties. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 37,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, with the majority being women and children.
Gaza’s Christian population, once numbering around 3,000 people, has dwindled dramatically during the conflict. Most were concentrated in Gaza City, particularly around the historic quarter where the Holy Family Church stands.
Vatican officials have called for an immediate investigation into the attack, with Pope Francis expressing “profound sorrow” and reiterating his call for an immediate ceasefire. “Places of worship and those who serve in them must be protected, especially during times of conflict,” Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin stated.
As rescue workers continue to clear debris and treat the wounded, questions loom about the safety of religious institutions in conflict zones. If churches offering humanitarian shelter are not safe from military strikes, what hope remains for civilians caught in this devastating war?
