The incident has prompted international calls for a ceasefire and highlighted the ongoing tragedies of the conflict.
Israel Expresses Regret Over Fatal Strike at Gaza Catholic Church
Israel Expresses Regret Over Fatal Strike at Gaza Catholic Church
Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu expresses sorrow after a strike on the Holy Family Church kills three.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed deep regret following a recent incident in which stray ammunition struck Gaza's only Catholic Church, resulting in the deaths of three individuals taking refuge there. Netanyahu emphasized that "every innocent life lost is a tragedy," extending condolences to the families affected and the broader community of worshippers.
The tragedy unfolded on Thursday when an Israeli airstrike inadvertently hit the Holy Family Church in Gaza City. Alongside the fatalities, several individuals were reported injured, as confirmed by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which governs the parish.
Pope Leo XIV expressed profound sorrow at the news and reiterated his urgent call for a ceasefire in Gaza. In a statement, he voiced his distress over the loss of life and injuries sustained as a result of the conflict.
Netanyahu stated that Israel is actively investigating the incident and continues to prioritize the protection of civilians and sacred sites. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later issued a preliminary statement indicating that initial inquiries suggest fragments from a shell fired during military operations may have mistakenly struck the church, the investigation into the matter is ongoing.
The IDF asserted its commitment to targeting military objectives while taking all possible precautions to minimize harm to civilians and cultural sites. In light of the attack, U.S. President Donald Trump's administration reacted with concern, as White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt indicated that the President did not respond positively to the news of the church strike. Trump had a conversation with Netanyahu earlier the same day, where the Israeli leader referred to the event as a "mistake."
The Patriarchate reported that Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest, was among those injured in the attack, emphasizing the church had served as a sanctuary for those seeking to escape the horrors of war. It also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, underscoring the urgent need for peace in the region.
