BBC News Briefing

17 July, 2025

Sofia has long brown hair and brown eyes and is wearing a green top.

Sofia Lotto Persio

Hello. A Catholic church in Gaza City has been hit by Israeli artillery. My colleagues Yolande Knell and David Gritten report on the Pope's reaction to the deadly strike. From Pennsylvania, we hear from supporters of US President Donald Trump about his administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein controversy. And finally, Prince Harry follows in his mother's footsteps in Angola.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Three people killed in Gaza church strike

Father Gabriele Romanelli is bald and wears glasses and a black robe. He is sat on the floor in what looks like a makeshift tent. He is holding a small plastic bottle of water in one hand while a man examines his right leg.

Father Gabriele Romanelli was among those who needed medical treatment following the strike. Credit: Reuters

Three people were killed and nine others injured after an Israeli strike hit Gaza City's Holy Family Church. Israel's foreign ministry said it regretted any harm to a religious site or uninvolved civilians. The Israeli military said the incident was under review. Two of those killed were identified as Saad Salameh, the 60-year-old parish janitor, and Fumayya Ayyad, an 84-year-old woman. Pope Leo XIV expressed his sadness and called for a ceasefire in Gaza. His predecessor Pope Francis had been in regular contact with the church, which had been sheltering many displaced families from Gaza's small Christian community.

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GET UP TO SPEED

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AT THE SCENE

West Pittston, Pennsylvania

Trump backers' anger at Epstein files

A man with white hair stands with his back to the camera holding an American flag while wearing a black tshirt with 'sons of trump' and the president's effigy written across its back.

Epstein's sudden death in jail in 2019 has spawned conspiracy theories ever since. Credit: Reuters

The Trump administration's handling of a purported tranche of government documents on the disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has angered the president's supporters. The controversy has threatened to overshadow the budget bill, a major legislative win Trump just clawed from Congress.

Kayla has dark curly hair and brown eyes.

Kayla Epstein, BBC News

On Wednesday, in 85F (30C) weather, Maga faithful lined the streets outside Don's Machine Shop where JD Vance spoke, touting President Donald Trump's recent legislative victory, what he calls his Big Beautiful Bill.

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But a lawn sign nearby as the US vice-president spoke pointed to an additional priority on some minds - a rare backlash against the Trump presidency from his own supporters. "WHERE IS THE LIST???" the sign read - a reference to the release of the so-called Jeffrey Epstein files. Among those attending the Vance event, some put their faith in Trump.

Keep reading

Tried and tested strategy: North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher looks at whether Trump's response will quell the controversy.

A woman in a purple sequined bikini, cowboy hat and heels reclines on a padded pink object. She has long black hair and is wearing red lipstick

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