Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed sorrow for the loss of three lives due to a strike on Gaza's only Catholic Church, vowing to investigate the incident while emphasizing the protection of civilians and holy sites.
Israel Expresses Regret Over Fatal Strike on Catholic Church in Gaza
Israel Expresses Regret Over Fatal Strike on Catholic Church in Gaza
The tragic incident at the Holy Family Church has sparked international outcry and calls for a ceasefire.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly expressed his country's regrets following an unfortunate incident in which a military strike inadvertently hit the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of three individuals seeking refuge within its walls. "The loss of any innocent life is heart-wrenching. Our sympathies are with the bereaved families and the faithful community," Netanyahu stated.
The incident occurred last Thursday when the church, which is the sole Catholic place of worship in Gaza, was reportedly struck by stray ammunition. According to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which oversees the parish, several individuals were injured in addition to those fatalities.
In light of this tragic event, Pope Leo XIV expressed his profound sorrow, reiterating his appeal for a ceasefire in the region.
In his statement, Netanyahu assured that Israel is conducting a thorough investigation and remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding civilians and sensitive sites. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) also indicated that initial inquiries suggest fragments from a shell used during military operations mistakenly struck the church. They emphasized that their operations target military objectives while striving to minimize civilian and cultural site harm.
Earlier in the day, US White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt noted that President Donald Trump had not reacted positively to the church attack. Trump and Netanyahu discussed the incident, with the Israeli leader describing it as an inadvertent error.
In response to the strike, the Patriarchate highlighted that parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli was among those injured and emphasized the church had provided sanctuary to individuals fleeing the devastation of war. They underscored the need for an immediate end to the ongoing conflict, reflective of the broader sentiments amidst escalating tensions between Israel and the Palestinians.
