Israeli Strike on Gaza Church Sparks International Outcry and Calls for Ceasefire
Published 17 July 2025
Highlights
- An Israeli military strike on Gaza's Holy Family Church resulted in three deaths and multiple injuries, including the parish priest.
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed regret over the incident, describing it as a "mistake" and pledging an investigation.
- Pope Leo XIV and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem have called for a ceasefire and condemned the attack on the sacred site.
- The church had been a refuge for displaced families, highlighting the dire conditions faced by civilians amid ongoing conflict.
- Caritas Internationalis and other humanitarian organizations have urged respect for civilian lives and sacred spaces.
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Rewritten Article
Israeli Strike on Gaza Church Sparks International Outcry and Calls for Ceasefire
An Israeli military strike on the Holy Family Church in Gaza City has resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to several others, including the parish priest. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed calls for a ceasefire in the region.
Incident Details and Immediate Reactions
The Holy Family Church, Gaza's only Catholic church, was struck by what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as "stray ammunition." The attack claimed the lives of Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh, the church's 60-year-old janitor, Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad, 84, and Najwa Abu Daoud, 69. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which oversees the church, reported that nine others were injured, with one in critical condition.
Netanyahu expressed deep regret over the incident, labeling it a "mistake" and assuring that an investigation is underway. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the strike was not intentional and that efforts are made to avoid civilian casualties and damage to religious sites.
International and Religious Responses
Pope Leo XIV, in a statement via the Vatican's secretary of state, expressed profound sadness over the loss of life and reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing the need to protect innocent civilians and sacred places.
Humanitarian organizations, including Caritas Internationalis, have voiced their devastation over the attack. Alistair Dutton, the secretary general of Caritas, highlighted the appalling conditions faced by civilians in Gaza and called for respect for the sanctity of life and spaces that offer protection.
Human Impact and Ongoing Conflict
The Holy Family Church had been a sanctuary for many displaced families from Gaza's small Christian community, who sought refuge there after losing their homes. The attack underscores the severe humanitarian crisis in the region, where civilians, including children and the elderly, are caught in the crossfire of a prolonged conflict.
An Israeli military strike on the Holy Family Church in Gaza City has resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to several others, including the parish priest. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed calls for a ceasefire in the region.
Incident Details and Immediate Reactions
The Holy Family Church, Gaza's only Catholic church, was struck by what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as "stray ammunition." The attack claimed the lives of Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh, the church's 60-year-old janitor, Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad, 84, and Najwa Abu Daoud, 69. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which oversees the church, reported that nine others were injured, with one in critical condition.
Netanyahu expressed deep regret over the incident, labeling it a "mistake" and assuring that an investigation is underway. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the strike was not intentional and that efforts are made to avoid civilian casualties and damage to religious sites.
International and Religious Responses
Pope Leo XIV, in a statement via the Vatican's secretary of state, expressed profound sadness over the loss of life and reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing the need to protect innocent civilians and sacred places.
Humanitarian organizations, including Caritas Internationalis, have voiced their devastation over the attack. Alistair Dutton, the secretary general of Caritas, highlighted the appalling conditions faced by civilians in Gaza and called for respect for the sanctity of life and spaces that offer protection.
Human Impact and Ongoing Conflict
The Holy Family Church had been a sanctuary for many displaced families from Gaza's small Christian community, who sought refuge there after losing their homes. The attack underscores the severe humanitarian crisis in the region, where civilians, including children and the elderly, are caught in the crossfire of a prolonged conflict.
What this might mean
The incident at the Holy Family Church has intensified international scrutiny on the Israeli military's operations in Gaza. As investigations proceed, there is potential for increased diplomatic pressure on Israel to ensure the protection of civilians and religious sites. The calls for a ceasefire by religious and humanitarian leaders may gain momentum, potentially influencing peace negotiations. However, the entrenched nature of the conflict poses significant challenges to achieving a lasting resolution.
