Israel strike on Gaza church kills 3, Netanyahu says it was a mistake

Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu has said that a strike in Gaza that hit a Catholic church in the region was a mistake. The strike reportedly killed three people on the ground and injured others.

“Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church,” the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement. “Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share 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," the statement added. The words from Netanyahu's office came after reports that the prime minister agreed the strike was a mistake when he was speaking over the phone with President Donald Trump.

When White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked about the call by reporters, she said that Trump's reaction to the strike "was not positive," per the Times of Israel.

Pope Leo wrote in a signed Telegram that expressed sorrow on behalf of those that lost their lives as well as those who were injured during the attack. Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest, was also injured during the strike, according to the Vatican News.

Leo also expressed his "profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation, and enduring peace in the region.”

The strike comes amid ongoing war between Hamas and Israel, which began with the October 7 terrorist attacks. Trump has been working to broker a ceasefire as well as peace in the region.