Israel issues apology for Catholic Church struck in Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a phone call with US President Donald Trump that the airstrike that hit the Holy Family Catholic Church in the Gaza Strip was a mistake. An apology message was also shared by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office.
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US President Donald Trump held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the Holy Family Catholic Church that Israel struck in the Gaza Strip. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Netanyahu acknowledged during the call that the attack was a mistake and that a statement would be issued. When asked by reporters about Trump's reaction to the attack, Leavitt replied, "The President was not pleased at all."
Shortly after Leavitt's statement, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office also released a statement regarding the incident. The statement from the Prime Minister's Office read, "Israel deeply regrets that a munition that missed its target during the attack struck the Holy Family Church in Gaza and states that the incident was a mistake. Israel, which is committed to protecting civilians and places of worship, is continuing its investigation into the incident."
It was noted that the statement, which thanked the spiritual leader of Catholics, Pope Leo XIV, for his words of consolation following the attack, was not shared on behalf of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
"ACCIDENT CAUSED BY TANK SHELL SHRAPNEL"
In a statement issued by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), it was stated, "According to initial investigations, the damage and casualties recorded at the Holy Family Church were caused by shrapnel from a shell fired by one of our tanks in the Gaza Strip. Investigations into the incident are ongoing. The IDF regrets the unintentional damage caused."
NETANYAHU HAD NOT ISSUED A STATEMENT
Following the strike on the church, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs had issued a statement apologizing for the damage caused to the place of worship, saying, "Israel expresses its deep regret for the damage caused to the Holy Family Church in the Gaza Strip and the civilian casualties caused. Necessary investigations are underway to examine the situation." Netanyahu, however, had not made a statement regarding the attack.
AT LEAST 3 PEOPLE DIED, 10 PEOPLE WERE INJURED
In a statement made earlier by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, it was reported that at least 3 people were killed in Israel's attack on the Holy Family Catholic Church, and 10 people, including Argentine Priest Gabriele Romanelli, who kept former spiritual leader Pope Francis informed about developments in the Gaza Strip, were injured.