Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has expressed deep regret for the tragic loss of three lives during a strike on the Holy Family Church in Gaza, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to prevent harm to civilians and religious sites.
Israel Expresses Regret Over Fatal Strike on Gaza Catholic Church
Israel Expresses Regret Over Fatal Strike on Gaza Catholic Church
Israeli officials respond to airstrike that claimed lives at a holy site.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly expressed sorrow over the unfortunate incident involving a strike on Gaza’s only Catholic Church, the Holy Family Church, which resulted in three deaths and multiple injuries. In a statement, Netanyahu acknowledged that the incident was due to “stray ammunition” and conveyed, “Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share the grief of the families and the faithful.” This remark follows Thursday's airstrike that has drawn international attention and concern.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which manages the church, reported the casualties and emphasized the horror that displaced individuals were seeking refuge in the church, hoping to escape the devastation of the ongoing conflict. Pope Leo XIV expressed his profound sadness at the devastation, reiterating his appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Netanyahu assured that an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack is underway, reaffirming Israel’s commitment to protecting civilians and sacred properties. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) added that preliminary assessments suggest that the church was accidentally struck by shell fragments resulting from operational activities nearby.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials, including White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, noted that President Donald Trump reacted unfavorably to the attack. In a conversation with Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister labeled the incident a “mistake” as the situation continues to unfold. The IDF stated their operations target exclusively military objectives and pledge efforts to minimize civilian and religious site casualties, expressing regret for any unintended harm.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem stressed the necessity of bringing an end to the ongoing war, highlighting the urgent need for peace and safety for all those affected.
