Israel Expresses Regret Over Deadly Strike on Gaza Catholic Church: What You Need to Know

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed deep regret over a tragic incident where stray ammunition hit the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of three individuals seeking refuge. He emphasized that every innocent life lost is a tragedy, noting that Israel shares the grief of the affected families.

The attack occurred during an Israeli strike on Thursday. Several others were also injured, according to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which oversees the small parish.

Pope Leo XIV voiced his sorrow over the loss of life and renewed calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. In response to the incident, Netanyahu assured that Israel is committed to investigating the event and preserving the safety of civilians and holy sites.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a statement saying that initial findings suggest the church was mistakenly hit by fragments from a shell fired in the area. They reiterated their policy of targeting only military sites while striving to minimize harm to civilians and religious structures.

Earlier, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump was not pleased with the attack and had discussed it with Netanyahu. During their conversation, Netanyahu labeled the incident as a mistake.

The Latin Patriarchate reported that Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest, was among the injured. The church had served as a sanctuary for those fleeing the violence, offering hope for safety as they lost their homes and sense of security. In light of the ongoing violence, the Patriarchate urged for an end to the conflict.

This incident highlights the dire situation in Gaza, where civilian areas often suffer during military operations. According to recent data from the United Nations, the number of casualties has been on the rise, heightening international calls for peace and resolution in the region.

For more insights into the conflict, you can refer to reports from trusted sources like BBC or the latest findings from the United Nations.

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