GAZA (RVA News): Father Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of the Holy Family Catholic Parish in Gaza, clarified that no evacuation order has been issued for the parish and its surrounding area.
“There has been no order of evacuation in this area of our neighbourhood. Our area is in the Old City of Gaza, within the larger neighbourhood of Zeytoun,” Father Romanelli said on August 19.
While stressing that the parish remains intact, the priest admitted the situation continues to be dangerous. “Bombings can be heard night and day. Some far away, others closer. At times, even shrapnel arrives,” he said.
“Unfortunately, the war continues. And, with the war, every day more dead, wounded, and destruction are added… and the needs of every kind for the entire civilian population of Gaza grows,” he lamented.
Despite the challenges, Father Romanelli expressed gratitude for the community’s safety. “We are well, thanks be to God,” he said. “We continue to pray for peace.”
Since the outbreak of the war on 7 October 2023, several hundred people have sought refuge at the parish, the only Catholic church in Gaza. The church itself suffered an attack on July 17 when a tank round struck its compound killing three people and injuring several others, including Father Romanelli, who sustained a minor leg wound.
Following that attack, Pope Leo XIV prayed publicly for the victims by name, condemning what he described as the “barbarism of war,” Vatican News reported. The pope renewed his appeal for a just and lasting peace, calling on all sides to respect human life and dignity.
The parish continues to shelter displaced families, providing food, medicine, and spiritual comfort amid the ongoing violence.
