Israel Expresses Deep Regret After Deadly Strike Hits Gaza Catholic Church
Israel Expresses Deep Regret After Deadly Strike Hits Gaza Catholic Church
Israel has expressed profound regret following a deadly strike on Gaza’s Holy Family Church on Thursday, an incident that killed three people sheltering inside and injured several others. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, overseeing the small parish, confirmed the casualties.
The incident drew immediate international condemnation and calls for de-escalation. Pope Leo XIV conveyed his deep sorrow over the loss of life and injury, reiterating his urgent call for a Gaza ceasefire. US President Donald Trump also voiced his disapproval of the attack, discussing the incident directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israel ‘deeply regrets that a stray ammunition’ hit the church, Gaza’s sole Catholic institution. He affirmed his country’s commitment to protecting civilians and holy sites, adding that an investigation into the incident is underway.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement acknowledging that fragments from a shell fired during operational activity in the area mistakenly struck the church. The IDF emphasized its policy of targeting only military objectives and expressed regret for any unintentional civilian harm or damage to religious structures, confirming the cause of the incident remains under review.
The Patriarchate highlighted that those sheltering in the church sought sanctuary ‘hoping that the horrors of war might at least spare their lives,’ and reiterated its call for a complete end to the conflict.
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