Attack on Catholic parish in Gaza: Three deaths confirmed
The Catholic parish of the Holy Family in Gaza was severely damaged today in a raid. According to the Latin Patriarchate, three people were killed. Two further parishioners remain in a serious condition. Among the injured, the parish priest, Fr Gabriel Romanelli, sustained a light injury to his leg.
The church suffered major structural damage, and the Christian community in Gaza remains in shock as the ongoing conflict continues to devastate the region.
Just a few days ago, in a video message sent to international charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Fr Gabriel Romanelli warned about the deteriorating situation: “The situation at the municipality remains very, very serious. The bombings continue, as you know, in Rafah, in the south of the Strip, but also in the north—the area of Jabalia and other places as well. Another day of war—another hour of war—continues to complicate the lives of tens and hundreds of thousands of people.”
Despite the dire circumstances, Fr Gabriel emphasised the importance of prayer and solidarity: “We ask you to continue helping us—to pray a lot, and to encourage others to pray. To seek peace and justice by all means, and also to lend a hand to these poor people. May Our Lady give us the strength to sow peace and a little hope in these people, and may this come to an end as soon as possible.”
Children caught in the bombardment
For months, the Holy Family parish had been a refuge for around 500 Christians, including displaced families from across Gaza. Among them were children who shared their dreams and fears with ACN only days before the attack—dreams now overshadowed by uncertainty, as the classrooms where they found shelter are heavily damaged.
Julia, 10 years old, said: “I have been at the church since the beginning of the war. I live with my family in a classroom at the Latin convent. I have two sisters: Leila, who is 13 years old, and Natalie, who is 9. I miss school and my friends. I dream of becoming a dermatologist. When I am afraid, my family gives me a sense of safety. I hope the war ends well, everything reopens, and everyone returns to their home.”
Tarek, 14 years old, echoed the same longing for normal life: “I have been staying at the Latin Church for about eight months. I live with my family in a classroom. I have two sisters. I miss school and my classmates. Sometimes I wake up and things are calm, there is no shelling, so I go and help at the Latin Church. I dream of becoming a doctor. My parents give me a sense of safety. I hope the war ends, that everyone returns to their homes, and that the crossing reopens.”
The status of Julia, Tarek, and the other children who are sheltering in the parish is currently uncertain. Due to the extensive damage to the compound, no information about their condition is available at this time. This situation highlights the critical need for peace and humanitarian access.
Call for Prayer and Support
Aid to the Church in Need is urgently calling for prayers for peace, the repose of the souls of Mr Saed Salameh (believed to be in his late 50s) and Mrs Fumia Ayyad (in her 80s), who died, and all those impacted by this tragedy, including Fr Gabriel Romanelli and the children sheltering in the parish.
Humanitarian aid is critically needed, as thousands remain without access to medical care and essential resources.
The Christian community in Gaza numbers around 500 people, including refugees from other parishes and about 200 members of the Greek Orthodox Church. The Latin parish has become a vital refuge, offering shelter, medicine, and support not only to Christians but also to thousands outside the compound who lack basic necessities.
