Overview

• The July 17 strike hit the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City, killing three displaced civilians and wounding several others, including parish priest Gabriel Romanelli.
• Israel’s military and Foreign Ministry have denied deliberately targeting the church and pledged a formal investigation into the incident.
• Vatican officials, led by Pope Leo XIV, have expressed deep concern and questioned Israel’s account, renewing calls for an immediate ceasefire.
• Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack as unacceptable and joined other European leaders in urging stronger safeguards for civilians and religious sites.
• The incident underscores the precarious position of Gaza’s Christian minority, which has dwindled to fewer than 700 and relies on the church as a key refuge in the ongoing conflict.