On Thursday, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) struck the Holy Family Church in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals and injuries to several others. The attack has prompted widespread condemnation, with the Vatican expressing deep sorrow and calling for an immediate ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the incident, taking responsibility for the strike and attributing it to “stray ammunition.” The incident has drawn international criticism, especially following a history of attacks on religious sites in the region.
Pope Leo XIV, in a telegram to the parish, expressed deep sadness over the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack. He called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and religious sites. The Catholic charity Caritas Internationalis denounced the attack, noting that the church served as a shelter for displaced civilians who were simply trying to survive. The organization condemned the attacks on civilians, particularly those seeking refuge in religious and humanitarian spaces.
Israeli Foreign Ministry officials stated that the incident is currently under investigation, with Israel committed to protecting civilians and holy sites. However, the attack has drawn significant international criticism, especially after a long history of violence in Gaza, where the UNRWA reported in May 2025 that 92% of homes have been damaged or destroyed. The incident adds to the ongoing tensions in the region, with both Israeli and Palestinian forces continuing to carry out attacks.
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, revealed that the Holy Family Church was directly hit by a tank shell. This follows a similar attack in October 2023, when the Israeli army bombed the Church of Saint Porphyrius, killing at least 18 people. Hamas has also condemned the latest attack, calling it a “new crime committed against places of worship and innocent displaced persons.” Recent reports indicate that Israeli strikes on Thursday alone killed at least 32 Palestinians, according to Al Jazeera.