Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has mentioned his nation “deeply regrets {that a} stray ammunition” hit Gaza’s solely Catholic Church, killing three folks sheltering there.
“Each harmless life misplaced is a tragedy. We share the grief of the households and the devoted,” he mentioned in an announcement.
The incident occurred on Thursday when an Israeli strike hit the Holy Household Church in Gaza Metropolis. A number of folks had been additionally injured, mentioned the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem which oversees the small parish.
Pope Leo XIV mentioned he was “deeply saddened to be taught of the lack of life and damage”, renewing his name for a Gaza ceasefire.
In his assertion, Netanyahu mentioned Israel was “investigating the incident and stays dedicated to defending civilians and holy websites”.
In an announcement afterward Thursday, the Israel Protection Forces (IDF) mentioned: “An preliminary inquiry into experiences relating to injured people within the Holy Household Church in Gaza Metropolis, means that fragments from a shell fired throughout operational exercise within the space hit the church mistakenly. The reason for the incident is beneath evaluate.
“The IDF directs its strikes solely at navy targets and makes each possible effort to mitigate hurt to civilians and spiritual buildings, and regrets any unintentional harm brought about to them,” the assertion added.
Earlier within the day, White Home spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt mentioned US President Donald Trump didn’t have a “constructive response” to the assault on the church.
Trump known as Netanyahu to debate the incident on Thursday morning. In the course of the name, Netanyahu described the assault as a “mistake”, Leavitt cited him as saying.
The Patriarchate mentioned the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, was part of those that had been injured within the assault.
It mentioned that folks discovered a “sanctuary” within the church “hoping that the horrors of struggle would possibly no less than spare their lives after their houses, possessions, and dignity had already been stripped away”.
It added that the “struggle should come to an entire finish”.
