By M10News International Desk
JERUSALEM — Israel has expressed “deep regret” following the deaths of three people and the wounding of nine others at Gaza’s only Catholic church, amid ongoing conflict in the region.
The casualties occurred at the Holy Family Church compound, which was reportedly struck by “stray ammunition,” according to a statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Parish priest Father Gabriele Romanelli, an Argentinian national who regularly communicated updates from Gaza to the late Pope Francis, was among those lightly injured in the incident.
“We deeply regret every innocent life lost,” Netanyahu’s office said. “We share in the grief of the families and the faithful. Israel is investigating the incident and remains committed to protecting civilians and holy sites.”
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, told Vatican News that the church was directly hit by tank fire.
“What we know for sure is that a tank—according to the IDF, by mistake—hit the Church of the Holy Family,” said Pizzaballa. “It was a direct strike, and we are seeking further clarification.”
In a separate statement, the Latin Patriarchate condemned the targeting of civilians and the sacred compound, which had been sheltering both Christians and Muslims, including children with disabilities.
“The Latin Patriarchate strongly condemns this tragedy and the targeting of innocent civilians and of a sacred place,” the statement read. “Our prayers are with the wounded and the bereaved families.”
Fadel Naem, acting director of Al-Ahli Hospital, confirmed that the church had been used as a refuge by families displaced by the fighting. Several injured victims were taken to the hospital for treatment.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was conducting a formal inquiry into the incident. Its initial findings indicated that shell fragments struck the compound during operational activity nearby.
“The cause of the incident is under review,” the IDF said. “We make every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure, including religious sites.”
The military stressed that it does not intentionally target religious institutions and expressed regret for any harm caused.
Israel’s foreign ministry also pledged transparency, stating via social media that the results of the investigation would be made public once concluded.
Meanwhile, health officials in Gaza reported at least 20 more deaths on Thursday due to continued Israeli airstrikes across the besieged territory.
Since the start of the war in October 2023, over 58,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza health ministry, which does not differentiate between civilian and militant casualties.
Israel launched its offensive after Hamas gunmen carried out a coordinated assault on Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people and abducting some 250 others on 7 October 2023.
