Israeli leader has expressed deep regret over the stray ammunition that struck Gazas only Catholic church

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued an apology in a phone call with Pope Leo following an Israeli tank shelling that struck the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, killing three people - including the church's priest - and injuring ten others.

The incident occurred on Thursday when an Israeli tank fired a round at the church compound, which was serving as a refuge for hundreds of displaced Palestinians, including children and people with disabilities. The IDF described the shelling as unintentional and said it is reviewing the incident.

On Friday, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III were granted unprecedented access to Gaza to tour the damaged church.

Netanyahu also personally called Pope Leo to express regret over the "stray ammunition" incident and to convey "Israel's heartfelt condolences to the families of those hurt."

During the call, Pope Leo reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire and urged protection for places of worship, the faithful, and civilians across Gaza and Israel.

Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza in October 2023 following a deadly Hamas incursion, in which over 1,200 Israelis were killed and hundreds taken hostage. Since then, the IDF has reportedly killed nearly 57,800 Palestinians, most of them women and children, leading to accusations of genocide against the Israeli leadership.

In October 2023, just days after the conflict began, the Israeli army similarly bombed the Church of Saint Porphyrius, killing at least 18 people. A week later, the enclave's third Christian church, the Gaza Baptist Church, was damaged in a deadly strike on al-Ahli Arab Hospital, which Israel blamed on a "misfired" Palestinian rocket.

The Vatican described the situation in Gaza as "dramatic," while in Washington, President Donald Trump was reportedly "upset" by the incident and pressed Netanyahu for clarity. Despite the apology, airstrikes resumed on Friday, with at least 14 more Palestinians reported killed across Gaza.

(RT.com)