The Priest Who Stayed in Gaza: A Witness to Hope in the Rubble

by Fr Gabriel Romanelli, Guillaume de Dieuleveult

This powerful firsthand account tells the story of a priest who chose to remain with his people in Gaza amid war, destruction, and uncertainty. In the face of danger, scarcity, and suffering, he continues to offer the sacraments, encouragement, and hope rooted in union with Christ. With moving simplicity and spiritual depth, these pages reveal the strength of faith lived under trial, the meaning of true pastoral charity, and the quiet light of hope that endures even in the darkest circumstances.

256 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2026

Reviews

[Auguste Meyrat]

I wanted to learn more about the situation in Gaza, and I got nowhere with this book. Romanelli is obviously watching what he says and can only complain about the attacks that are happening (mostly from Israelis), offering nothing in the way of solutions except bland calls for peace. At one point, he complains that he's treated like the leader of an NGO, but this is exactly what his ministry feels like. He doesn't dare try to proselytize, but instead welcomes everyone without checking to see if they might just be Hamas terrorists looking to hide somewhere. Most of the narrative concerns him and other priests responding to this or that problem with incoming refugees and weathering the periodic bombings from the Israeli armies.

There's nothing deep or penetrating here. Yes, there's a war and it's hard, but what is supposed to happen when a group perpetuates the worst crimes of Jews since the Holocaust and holds on to hostages for month on in? For his part, Romanelli offers sanctuary to everyone and nothing more. He's quite proud of just how brave and selfless he is because he chooses to stay in a war zone, but who is he really helping anyone with this? He provides cover for criminals, limits what Israel can do about the terrorists, and provides free elderly care and childcare for Muslim Palestinians who seem content with collecting welfare all their lives while sympathizing with Hamas who have actively destroyed their home.

As far as the writing goes, it's fairly vapid and forgettable. The emphasis is on the suffering of the residents in Gaza, and leaving it to God to fix the issue. Everything is passive and nothing can be done. Again, for readers wanting to learn more and keep an open mind, there's not much here. After a while, it just feel repetitive and pointless.

[Rico]

That's a powerful testimony. I can barely imagine the scene that Fr. Romanelli paints, let alone his commitment to stay with his parish.

[Jay]

A must-read for future ministers.
"The Priest Who Stayed in Gaza" is a powerful memoir written under fire, by a Catholic priest supporting a congregation in the midst of a genocide.

[Samuel Hernandez]

This book describes the daily horrors of living in a war. The book does not explain the conflict of Israel and Palestine. It’s more of a journal of everyday living since the October 7th, 2023.