Saturday, July 19, 2025 -In a heartbreaking escalation of violence in Gaza, Israeli airstrikes struck the Holy Family Church, killing at least 14 Palestinians, including three sheltering within the compound.
The attack drew sharp condemnation from Pope Francis, who called it “unacceptable and deeply troubling.”
In a rare diplomatic gesture, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally phoned the Pope to address the incident highlighting the mounting international scrutiny over Israel’s military actions.
The public reaction has been swift and emotional. Faith leaders, humanitarian groups, and global citizens have voiced outrage, with thousands gathering in peaceful protests across Europe and the Middle East.
A Vatican statement demanded protection for all religious sanctuaries, warning that “no place of worship should ever be turned into a battlefield.” According to the UN, over 70% of Gaza’s religious and medical infrastructure has been affected by the ongoing conflict.
The political consequences could be far-reaching. The strike on the church risks further isolating Israel diplomatically, particularly among Christian-majority nations and multilateral faith-based organizations.
It also raises new questions about the rules of engagement in urban warfare and the responsibility to protect civilians in sanctuaries. As pressure mounts on all sides, calls for an immediate ceasefire are intensifying from Rome to Washington to Amman.
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