Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed “deep regret” and offered condolences to Pope Leo over the deadly shelling of Gaza’s Holy Family Catholic Church, the enclave’s sole remaining Catholic place of worship. The incident, described by the Israeli military as unintentional, killed three people—including the church’s priest—and injured ten others when a tank round struck the compound on Thursday. Hundreds of displaced Palestinians, among them children and individuals with disabilities, had sought shelter there amid ongoing hostilities.
In a Friday phone call, Netanyahu conveyed Israel’s “heartfelt condolences” to affected families and emphasized that the strike involved “stray ammunition,” according to a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. He also briefed the pontiff on efforts to secure a 60-day ceasefire and hostage-release deal with Hamas, which he said had not yet been reciprocated. Pope Leo renewed appeals for an immediate halt to fighting and urged protections for civilians and religious sites.
The same day, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III toured the damaged church in a rare visit facilitated by Israeli authorities. The Vatican labeled Gaza’s humanitarian situation “dramatic,” while U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly expressed concern over the attack during a discussion with Netanyahu.
This marks the third time a Christian church in Gaza has been damaged or destroyed since Israel launched its military campaign in October 2023, following a Hamas-led assault that killed over 1,200 Israelis and saw hundreds taken hostage. In the subsequent months, Israeli forces have reportedly killed nearly 57,800 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, drawing accusations of genocide from international observers.
Earlier in the conflict, an October 2023 Israeli airstrike destroyed the 1,600-year-old Church of Saint Porphyrius, killing 18 people. Days later, the Gaza Baptist Church sustained damage during a strike on al-Ahli Arab Hospital, an incident Israel attributed to a misfired Palestinian rocket.
Despite Netanyahu’s apology, airstrikes resumed Friday, with local sources reporting at least 14 Palestinian fatalities. The recurring targeting of religious sites has intensified scrutiny of Israel’s military conduct, particularly its adherence to international law regarding civilian infrastructure. As diplomatic efforts stall, the cycle of violence shows no signs of abating, deepening despair in a region where over 1.8 million people remain displaced.
