Israel Expresses Regret Over Deadly Strike on Catholic Church in Gaza - Netanyahu: “Tragedy”

An Israeli shell that struck the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City on Thursday has sparked widespread international condemnation after the attack killed three civilians, including two women, and injured ten others, including Parish Priest Father Gabriele Romanelli.

The incident prompted a direct phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to comment publicly on the attack. "The president did not respond positively," said White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt. "I understand that the prime minister agreed to state that it was a mistake for the Israelis to attack this Catholic church."

 “Any Loss of Innocent Life is a Tragedy”

About 30 minutes later, Netanyahu issued a public statement expressing regret over the incident:

“Israel deeply regrets the attack on the Holy Family Church in Gaza. Any loss of innocent life is a tragedy. We share in the grief of the families and the faithful. We are grateful to Pope Leo for his words of comfort. Israel is investigating the incident and remains committed to protecting civilians and holy sites.”

“Shrapnel from a Shell Inadvertently Hit the Church”

An IDF spokesperson confirmed that the incident is under investigation. According to their preliminary findings, the damage was caused by shrapnel from a shell fired during operational activity nearby.

“The IDF directs its attacks only at military targets and does everything possible to minimize harm to civilians and religious buildings,” the statement read. “The IDF regrets any harm that occurred unintentionally.”

The military emphasized it does not target religious sites, and the full circumstances are still being reviewed.

International Reactions: Outrage 

The incident quickly drew strong international responses:

• Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the attacks "unacceptable."

• France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned the strike on a church "under the historic protection of France," writing on X (formerly Twitter):

  “I expressed to the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem the feelings of solidarity of our country. These attacks are intolerable.”

• The Vatican issued a statement confirming that Pope Leo was “saddened” by the attack and had offered prayers for the victims and the wounded.

Church Confirms Deaths, Priest Among Wounded

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which oversees the Holy Family Church, confirmed that three members of the Christian community—all over the age of 60—were killed, and that Father Romanelli was wounded in the leg. He had reportedly been regularly updating Pope Leo on the conditions in Gaza throughout the ongoing war.

Media Coverage and Ceasefire Calls

Global media outlets gave the incident extensive coverage:

• BBC reported the Pope's “expression of sorrow” following the deaths.

• CNN echoed that sentiment, highlighting the human impact and diplomatic fallout.

• Vatican News initially reported that "Israeli forces attacked a Catholic church," later adjusting the headline to reflect the Israeli explanation.

• The Guardian included the identities and ages of the victims and quoted the Pope’s renewed call for a ceasefire.

• The Washington Post added the IDF’s official response, framing the incident within the broader escalation in Gaza.

Israeli Foreign Ministry: “Church Was Not a Target”

In a separate statement, the Israeli Foreign Ministry also expressed sorrow and affirmed that the church was not deliberately targeted:

“Israel never targets churches or religious sites, and regrets any harm to a religious site or to uninvolved civilians. The IDF is examining the incident, and the results of the investigation will be published transparently.”