Paris, July 17, 2025
L’Œuvre d’Orient is deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of two people following the attack on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza. The parish, which had been spared until now, was targeted by an Israeli military airstrike this morning.
Several others were injured, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli.
This strike is not justified by any strategic objective. The parish plays a peacemaking role and serves the entire population.
This action follows the attack on Taybeh by settlers, during which Israeli law enforcement did not intervene.
We strongly condemn this bombing. We call on the French authorities to intervene with the Israeli Embassy in Paris.
We demand that the Israeli authorities issue an apology and ensure the safety of Christian communities.
We extend our condolences to the entire Christian community in the Holy Land, especially to His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. We assure them of our prayers, our full support, and our spiritual solidarity with the Christians of Gaza.
Amid intensified bombing across the Gaza Strip, L’Œuvre d’Orient stresses the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian access to protect the most vulnerable populations.
It also calls for the immediate release of the Israeli hostages.
Bishop Pascal Gollnisch, Director of L’Œuvre d’Orient
