‘Every Innocent Life Lost Is A Tragedy’: Netanyahu’s Statement After IDF Mistakenly Hits Catholic Church

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mourned the deaths of three people killed when a missile launched by an Israel Defense Forces tank inadvertently struck a Catholic church in Gaza.

On Thursday morning, a stray missile struck the Holy Family Church; nine people were also injured, one of whom is in critical condition.

“Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church,” Netanyahu said, as Israel National News reported. “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 Holy Family Church on Thursday morning. One of the injured is in critical condition. civilians and holy sites.”

“Israel expresses deep sorrow over the damage to the Holy Family Church in Gaza City and over any civilian casualty,” Israeli Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Oren Marmorstein stated on X. “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 issued a statement saying, “The IDF is aware of reports regarding damage caused to the Holy Family Church in Gaza City and casualties at the scene. The circumstances of the incident are under review. 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 telegram sent by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin on behalf of Pope Leo read, “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.” Pope Leo also apparently called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.

The terrorist group still holds roughly 50 hostages from its October 7, 2023, massacre of over 1,200 Israelis. Although only 20 are believed to be alive, Hamas has not released them or the bodies of the dead hostages.