Israel’s Deadly Attack On The Holy Family Church In Gaza Is A Heinous Crime And Crime Against Humanity

The New African Charter International (NACI) is saddened by the unprovoked criminal and brutal attack on a place of worship in Gaza. In particular, NACI condemns in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly attack on the Holy Family Church in Gaza, Palestine on Thursday 17th July, 2025. It is reported that two people were killed and many others wounded in that terror attack, including the Church’s Priest-Father Gabriel Romanelli.

According to reports on the ground, the Holy Family Church is the only place of worship that until before this attack, that had survived Israeli aggression on Palestinian lands and territory. It is also reported that this Church was being used to serve as a sanctuary for dozens of internally displaced Palestinian families seeking refuge from the ongoing Israeli campaign of extermination of whole peoples, whole nations and whole regions, as well as the destruction of the environment.

We condemn these and all acts of terrorism against all peoples. NACI is committed to a culture of peace, non-violence and respect for the right to life. The violation of life committed in this latest Gaza Church attack is abhorrent and speaks of an atmosphere prevailing in occupied Palestine today, where every living thing is a target for liquidation with no exception.

However, we recognize that the ongoing unstopped genocide and race cleansing campaign on Palestinian Arab lands and territory, is aggravated by the unjust and race-filled structural system of the UN decision-making process, which allows Israel to launch brutal attacks on Palestine with impunity, and with no regards to international law and principles. This speaks of the absence of concrete action from the nuclear powers and permanent UN Security Council members-states, to protect and defend human rights and international law.

While we call for a structural reform of the process, allowing for more efficient and effective approach in resolving international conflicts and a better protection of civilians, NACI demands an end to the grave injustice meted on Palestinian Arab people. The current situation in the occupied Palestinian lands and territory has been lasting for over half a century, and there is no defined hope that the United Nations would be allowed to shoulder its responsibility, to resolve the Palestinian question.

NACI is deeply concern by the lack of alternatives to a violent intervention in the Palestinian situation. The latest Israeli attack on the Church in Gaza is a grave injustice and stands condemned by all. It is deserving of utter condemnation and repudiation by all elements of society, and has indeed been so condemned and rejected. For this, we appreciate the prompt statement issued by Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican, expressing profound sorrow over the loss of life and injuries caused by the Israeli assault. The Pontiff reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire to allow peace to prevail in that region.

It is universally accepted that terrorism in whatever form or manifestation is unjustifiable and constitute heinous crime and crime against humanity, regardless of its motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. War criminals have of late find it a luxury to export their trademark to targeted countries of the world that are on the list for destruction.

In the face of Israeli brutality towards Palestine and other countries, the international civilized community must stand together to save humanity against actions of war criminals. We condemn the lack of respect of international law and the disregard for United Nations Charter, the core of Israel’s regional and foreign policy towards its neighbors and humanity.

More so, we call on the United Nations Security Council to retrieve influence on the situation and to organize in order to ensure security in the face of violence and to guarantee justice for all Palestinian Arab people, whether living at home or displaced or in refugee camps or in exile. It is thus incumbent upon United Nations Security Council to immediately, and by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, to stand with all victims of such heinous attacks in occupied Palestine and around the world.

Our deepest sympathy and condolences go to the families of the victims in the Israeli attacks on the Church in Gaza, and wish a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured in this despicable act. NACI advocates the human rights and freedoms of Palestinian Arab people as they fight for their rights to exist equally with other human race and colour; and to uphold the rights of Palestinians to life.

God save Palestine and Palestinian people!

Signed:
Alimamy Bakarr Sankoh
Co-founder and President
The New African Charter International (NACI)

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