Israel apologizes for 'stray' ammunition strike on Gaza Catholic church that killed three

Israel is apologizing for what it says was an unintended ammunition strike on Gaza's only Catholic church, killing three.

“Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church," the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after the strike Thursday morning. "Every innocent life lost is a tragedy.”

The office also said an investigation into the matter is being conducted.

Several others were also injured in the incident, according to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Politico reported. Many of Gaza's small Catholic community have sheltered in the church since the war began.

White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt said later Thursday that President Donald Trump called Netanyahu to address the strikes that it was her understand the prime minister would put out a statement. She also said Netanyahu told Trump the attack “was a mistake by the Israelis.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who supports Israel, criticized Israel's “attacks against the civilian population” as “unacceptable.”

Pope Leo XIV said he was “deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack” and repeated his call for a ceasefire.

The church's priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, was among those injured in the strike on the church.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, expressed doubt that the strike was accidental.

“What we know for sure is that a tank, the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] says by mistake, but we are not sure about this. They hit the church directly,” Pizzaballa told Vatican media.