Netanyahu Responds After IDF Accidentally Hits Catholic Church

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed sorrow on Thursday following a tragic incident in Gaza where an IDF tank missile mistakenly struck the Holy Family Catholic Church, killing three people and injuring nine others, one critically.

“Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church,” Netanyahu stated. “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.”

Israeli officials were quick to issue statements reinforcing that religious sites are never intentional targets of IDF operations. Israeli Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Oren Marmorstein wrote on X “Israel expresses deep sorrow over the damage to the Holy Family Church in Gaza City and over any civilian casualty. The IDF is examining this incident, the circumstances of which are still unclear, and the results of the investigation will be published transparently. Israel never targets churches or religious sites and regrets any harm to a religious site or to uninvolved civilians.”

The IDF also confirmed it is reviewing the circumstances of the strike. “The IDF makes every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and civilian structures, including religious sites, and regrets any damage caused to them,” a statement from the military said.

A telegram sent on behalf of Pope Leo XIV by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin expressed the Pope’s condolences “His Holiness Pope Leo XIV was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, and he assures the parish priest, Father Gabriele Romanelli, and the whole parish community of his spiritual closeness.” The Pope also reiterated his call for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.

This tragic accident comes amid ongoing tensions following Hamas’ barbaric October 7, 2023, massacre, which claimed the lives of over 1,200 Israelis. Hamas still holds around 50 hostages with only 20 believed to be alive yet continues to refuse the release of both survivors and the remains of the deceased.

Despite its ongoing efforts to minimize civilian harm, Israel faces an enemy that deliberately embeds its terrorist operations within civilian populations, using human shields and holy sites to deter IDF strikes. This strategy increases the likelihood of tragic incidents like Thursday’s, further fueling propaganda against Israel while Hamas avoids accountability.

While Netanyahu’s statement emphasizes regret over innocent lives lost, it also underscores Israel’s resolve to continue defending its citizens against the terrorist threat emanating from Gaza.

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