Israel Expresses Regret Over Catastrophic Strike on Gaza Church

Fri Jul 18 2025 04:52:48 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Israel Expresses Regret Over Catastrophic Strike on Gaza Church

Netanyahu acknowledges loss of life as Pope Leo XIV calls for a ceasefire amidst rising tensions and civilian casualties.


The Israeli Prime Minister has issued a statement expressing deep regret over a recent airstrike that mistakenly hit the Holy Family Church in Gaza, resulting in civilian deaths. This incident has drawn international attention, with calls for immediate ceasefire actions.

In a tragic turn of events, an Israeli strike on the Holy Family Church in Gaza City has resulted in the deaths of three individuals who were seeking refuge inside the building. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly expressed his sorrow, stating that the incident—attributed to a stray shell—represents a profound tragedy, as Israel aims to protect civilians and holy sites during the ongoing conflict. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which oversees the church, confirmed several injuries, including that of Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest.

Pope Leo XIV responded to the incident with profound sadness, reiterating his calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. His plea emphasizes the urgent need for an end to hostilities as innocent lives continue to be caught in the crossfire. Following the attack, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a statement indicating that preliminary investigations suggest the church was unintentionally struck and affirmed their commitment to targeting only military objectives while striving to minimize civilian harm.

In a separate development, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed that President Donald Trump had a "negative reaction" to the church strike. During a call with Netanyahu, the Prime Minister expressed that the incident was a mistake, reinforcing the significance of recognizing civilian sanctity in conflict scenarios.

The Patriarchate described the church as a sanctuary where people sought refuge from the ongoing violence, highlighting the urgent need for peace and stability in the region. As casualties rise and tensions escalate, calls for an immediate ceasefire echo louder, emphasizing that the war must come to an end to prevent further tragedies.

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