Church leaders across the Holy Land have united in strong condemnation after an Israeli tank shell struck Gaza’s only Catholic church, killing three people and injuring ten others, including the parish priest.
The attack on Holy Family Catholic Church occurred on Thursday, as around 600 civilians—many of them children and people with special needs—were sheltering in the church compound during ongoing conflict in the region.
“In unyielding unity, we strongly denounce this crime,” said a statement released on Friday by the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem.
Those killed include Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh, the church’s 60-year-old janitor; Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad, aged 84; and Najwa Abu Daoud. The parish priest, Fr Gabriel Romanelli, was among the injured.
Eyewitness reports say the shell struck the church roof, scattering debris and shrapnel across the courtyard where people were gathered for safety.
The church leaders condemned the "heinous attack by the Israeli Army on the church compound" as a violation of international law.
“Targeting a church that houses approximately 600 refugees... is a violation of these laws,” the statement reads. “It is also an affront to human dignity, a trampling upon the sanctity of human life, and the desecration of a holy site.”
They called on world leaders and the United Nations to push urgently for a ceasefire and to ensure protection for religious and humanitarian sites.
“We also implore [the world leaders and the United Nations] to guarantee the protection of all religious and humanitarian sites and to provide for the relief of the starving masses throughout the Gaza Strip," the statement reads.
“Our prayers and support remain steadfast, calling for justice, peace and the cessation of the suffering that has descended upon the people of Gaza.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed sorrow over the incident, stating: “We deeply regret that a stray ammunition hit the church. Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share the grief of the families and the faithful.”
Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has renewed its call for support for Christians in the Holy Land. The organisation is providing emergency aid, spiritual care, and help with rebuilding church structures.
