ISRAEL: A Catholic church targeted by an Israeli strike
HRWF (18.07.2025) – An Israeli strike hit the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, killing three people and injuring 10 others, including Rev. Gabriel Romanelli of the Holy Family Church. Extensive damage was caused to the religious complex.
Since the war began in October 2023, at least three churches were hit by air strikes , including the only Catholic church in the enclave.
Saint Porphyrius Church
Saint Porphyrius Church is the oldest church in the enclave and the third oldest Christian church in the world, dating back to the 5th century.
On 10 October 2023, Israeli strikes caused serious damage to the church compound. Nine days later, on 19 October, a second Israeli strike hit the church directly, destroying part of the structure. Several displaced civilians who had sought shelter inside were killed and injured.
The church, named after Gaza’s 5th-century bishop Porphyrius, also houses his tomb.
Gaza Baptist Church
The Baptist Church, affiliated with the Anglican Episcopal Church of Jerusalem, was founded in 1882 and serves around 200 members. Its compound includes multiple floors dedicated to prayer, education, and medical care.
On 17 October 2023, an Israeli airstrike hit the courtyard of al-Ahli Arab Hospital, which is part of the Baptist Church compound. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, around 500 displaced civilians and patients were killed. The attack sparked global outrage.
The Geneva Conventions prohibit attacks on civilian infrastructure, including houses of worship, unless they are being used for military purposes – a claim Israel has not substantiated in these cases.
Also mosques
In addition to churches, Israel has also destroyed dozens of mosques during the conflict, with many others severely damaged, according to the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor.
On 16 November 2023, Israeli aircraft struck Al-Hassan Mosque in the Al-Sanafur area of Al-Tuffah neighbourhood, east of Gaza City, without any prior warning, according to the Monitor. The attack involved one or two heavy, high-explosive bombs and occurred just as worshippers began their dawn prayers. Only remnants of its entrance and the two surrounding minarets remained. The attack resulted in the deaths of all worshippers present.
Only about 500 Christians left
A few days ago, Rev. Gabriel Romanelli of the Holy Family Church reported to the media that of the 1,017 Christians who lived in the Gaza Strip until 7 October 2023, about half remained. 300 people were able to evacuate through the Rafah crossing on the border with Egypt, 54 people died, 16 of them as a result of the bombing of the Orthodox Church of St. Porphyry.
Photo: Facebook
