Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed “deep regret” over the “stray ammunition” that struck Gaza’s only Catholic church last week.
Netanyahu issued an apology in a phone call with Pope Leo following the shelling of Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, which killed three people and injured ten others, including the local priest.
RT reports: The incident occurred on Thursday when an Israeli tank fired a round at the church compound, which was serving as a refuge for hundreds of displaced Palestinians, including children and people with disabilities. The IDF described the strike as unintentional and said it is under review.
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On Friday, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III were granted unprecedented access to Gaza to tour the damaged church.
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Netanyahu also personally called Pope Leo to express regret over the “stray ammunition” incident and to convey “Israel’s heartfelt condolences to the families of those hurt.”
During the conversation, Pope Leo reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire and urged protection for places of worship, the faithful, and civilians across Gaza and Israel.
Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza in October 2023 following a deadly Hamas incursion, in which over 1,200 Israelis were killed and hundreds taken hostage.
Since then, the IDF has reportedly killed nearly 57,800 Palestinians, most of them women and children, leading to accusations of genocide being levied against the Israeli leadership.
