On the Tragic Attack on the Holy Family Church in Gaza City
Official Statement by the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan
On the Tragic Attack on the Holy Family Church in Gaza City
21 July 2025
The Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan, in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), expresses its profound sorrow and unequivocal condemnation following the recent military strike on the Holy Family Church in Gaza City. This deeply tragic event, as reported by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and confirmed by international media, His Holiness Pope Leo, and President Donald J. Trump, has been acknowledged by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as an Israeli military action. The strike resulted in the deaths of three innocent civilians and injuries to others, including the parish priest, Reverend Gabriel Romanelli.
We join the global community in mourning the lives lost in this unjust and needless act of violence against a sacred place of worship. We honor the memory of Saad Salameh, Foumia Ayyad, and Najwa Abu Dawood, who perished within the sanctity of a church—a space dedicated to peace, prayer, and refuge.
For millennia, Christian churches have served as sanctuaries—spaces for spiritual reflection and refuge in times of conflict. During the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Holy Family Church has exemplified this mission, providing shelter to both Christians and Muslims seeking protection from violence.
The repeated use of churches, schools, hospitals, and civilian infrastructure by combatants—and their targeting by military operations—must come to an immediate and permanent end. The Royal House of Ghassan joins the international community in affirming a clear principle: holy places are sacred and must be off-limits to all military action. The continued ease with which civilians—whether Christian, Muslim, or Jew—become victims of armed conflict is morally indefensible and a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.
As people of faith, we call upon Christians, Muslims, and Jews alike to defend the sanctity of human life, a shared tenet of our Abrahamic traditions. It is our collective moral obligation to protect the innocent and preserve the dignity of every person.
Therefore, the Royal House of Ghassan urgently calls for:
An immediate and permanent ceasefire;
The deployment of international peacekeeping forces;
Unhindered humanitarian and medical access for all civilians in Gaza;
The preservation and protection of religious and civilian infrastructure;
Providing education, shelter, and livelihood opportunities is essential for a just and lasting recovery;
And constructive regional dialogue, facilitated by the United Nations, aimed at securing a durable peace in the Holy Land.
As an institution deeply rooted in the Christian East, the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan reaffirms its enduring commitment to peace, justice, and reconciliation. As an NGO in consultative status with the United Nations and actively transitioning toward Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) status, the Royal House offers the full support of its Senior Executive Officers, Special Envoys, Faculty, Administrators, Staff, and Members in all international efforts dedicated to healing and restoration in the region.
May the memory of the departed be eternal, and may the pursuit of peace guide our every action.
HRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Numan VIII
Head of the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan
Rev. Dr. Christian Dominic Boyd
Grand Chancellor & Chief Administrative Officer
Media Contact
Office of the Grand Chancellor
Email: grandchancellor@royalghassan.org
Website: www.royalghassan.org