Israel is afraid of Catholics, so it quickly apologizes for the deadly blow to the Catholic church in Gaza

 

“An Israeli shell slammed into the compound of the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, killing three people and wounding 10, including the parish priest, according to church officials. The late Pope Francis regularly spoke with Rev. Gabriel Romanelli about the situation in the war-ravaged territory.

 

The shelling of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza also damaged the church compound, where hundreds of Palestinians have been sheltering from the Israel-Hamas war. Israel issued a rare apology and said it is investigating.

 

Israel repeatedly hits civilian structures, accusing Hamas militants of sheltering inside and blaming them for civilian deaths.

 

Pope Leo XIV on Thursday renewed his call for an immediate truce. In a telegram of condolences, Leo expressed "his profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation and enduring peace in the region." The pope expressed his closeness to Rev. Romanelli and the parish.

 

The church compound was sheltering both Christians and Muslims, including a number of children with disabilities, according to Fadel Naem, acting director of Al-Ahli Hospital, which received the casualties.” [1]

 

1. World News: Israel Apologizes for Fatal Strike on Catholic Church in Gaza. Wall Street Journal, Eastern edition; New York, N.Y.. 18 July 2025: A8.