Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday night mourned those killed after a missile accidentally hit a Gaza church.
"Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza's Holy Family Church," Netanyahu said. "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."
Three people were killed and nine injured after a stray missile hit the Holy Family Church on Thursday morning. One of the injured is in critical condition.
According to Vatican News, Holy Family is Gaza's only Catholic church.
In a post on X, Pope Leo XIV responded, "I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack on the Holy Family Catholic Church in #Gaza. I assure the parish community of my spiritual closeness. I commend the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, and pray for their families and the injured. I renew my call for an immediate ceasefire. Only dialogue and reconciliation can ensure enduring peace!"
An initial IDF investigation revealed that a tank fired a shell, and it is still unclear whether the miss was due to a malfunction or human error. The shell hit the "Holy Family" Church in Gaza City, killing three people.
"An initial inquiry into reports regarding injured individuals in the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, suggests that fragments from a shell fired during operational activity in the area hit the church mistakenly. The cause of the incident is under review," the IDF stated Thursday night.
"The IDF directs its strikes solely at military targets and makes every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and religious structures, and regrets any unintentional damage caused to them."
Earlier on Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the press that US President Donald Trump's reaction to the damage to a church in Gaza "wasn't positive." She noted that Trump called Netanyahu about the incident, and Netanyahu clarified that the attack was a mistake.
The IDF confirmed the attack Thusrday morning, 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."