Gaza City, Gaza Strip — A stray shell from an Israeli military operation struck the Holy Family Church on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of three individuals seeking refuge inside the only Catholic church in Gaza. This tragic event was met with deep sorrow from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who expressed condolences and emphasized the significance of every innocent life lost.

Netanyahu described the incident as a mistake and stated that Israel is conducting a thorough investigation. He reiterated the nation’s commitment to protecting civilians and sacred sites during military engagements. “Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share the grief of the families and the faithful,” he said in a statement following the strike.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which oversees the church, reported that several others were also injured in the attack. Church officials noted that individuals had turned to the sanctuary of the Holy Family Church in hopes of escaping the violence that has ravaged their homes and communities. They urged for an immediate cessation of hostilities, asserting that the ongoing conflict must come to an end.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a statement detailing an initial inquiry regarding the strike on the church. The IDF remarked that fragments from a shell mistakenly hit the church during operational activities in the vicinity. They assured that their military operations target only military sites and that every possible effort is made to minimize harm to civilians and religious structures.

In a response from the international community, Pope Leo XIV expressed his sorrow upon hearing of the casualties, reiterating his calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. His comments reflect growing concern from various global leaders regarding the safety of civilians amid escalating violence.

Earlier in the day, the White House reacted to the incident, with spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt mentioning that U.S. President Donald Trump had an unfavorable view of the attack. During a Thursday morning phone call, Netanyahu characterized the strike as an error while addressing the president’s concerns.

Among those injured in the strike was Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest, as the church remained a beacon of hope amidst the turmoil affecting countless residents. The Latin Patriarchate highlighted that many had sought solace in the church from the relentless horrors of war, desperately clinging to the hope that it might provide a brief reprieve from their stripped lives.

Calls for peace and protection of sanctuaries continue as the region grapples with the devastating repercussions of the ongoing conflict, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian safeguards during military operations.