'Stray Ammunition' Says Israel, Caused Deaths At Gaza Catholic Parish

Three people killed and 10 injured when allegedly stray fire hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church, a Catholic parish compound where dozens of Christians have taken refuse during the ongoing war in the enclave. The Latin Patriarchate confirmed casualties, while Italy and France condemned  the strike.

The Israeli Defense Forces issued a statement that it is investigating the incident, while also pledging to protect civilians and religious sites.

Following a call from U.S. President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed deep regret  over what the IDF has termed an accidental strike. Presidential spokesperson Karoline Leavitt affirmed that the two national leaders spoke today via telephone about the incident. She told reporters at the White House that there was "not a positive reaction" on the part of Trump to the incident, and that Netanyahu agreed to issue a statement acknowledging that the IDF had made a "mistake."

In his official statement, Netanyahu said the church was hit by stray ammunition and expressed sorrow over the incident. “Every innocent life lost is a tragedy,” the statement read. He said Israel is investigating the incident, while it remains committed to protecting civilians and religious sites. He also stated: "We are grateful to Pope Leo for his words of comfort." 

Father Gabriel Romanelli, who had regularly informed Pope Leo and Pope Francis about the war’s developments, was lightly wounded in the leg, officials said. He is pastor of the parish. 
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem confirmed that several people were injured, including Romanelli. 

The IDF has confirmed the incident, acknowledging casualties and saying the circumstances are under investigation. “The IDF operates to minimize harm to civilians and civilian structures, including houses of worship, and regrets any damage caused,” an IDF spokesperson said. Israel’s Foreign Ministry also expressed sorrow, adding that the IDF probe's results will be published transparently. “Israel never targets churches or religious sites and regrets any harm to uninvolved civilians or religious locations,” the ministry said.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the strike “unacceptable,” and France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned the attack, which is protected under France’s historic guardianship, expressing solidarity with the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and calling the attacks “intolerable.”

Pope Leo expressed solidarity with the victims and special "closeness'" with the stricken priest, Romanelli. The latter is an Argentine who kept in daily contact with his fellow Argentine, Pope Francis. 

The current war began on October 7, 2023 when Muslim terrorists entered Israel and slaughtered and raped and abducted dozens. Over 1000 Israelis and others were murdered that day. Hamas is still holding persons abducted on the day of its initial attack. Reports of the number of casualties suffered by the people of Gaza have been disputed.