Israel says deadly Gaza church strike was mistake after Trump call
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A mass held at the Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza City for those killed in the strike on Holy Family Church. Photo: Ali Jadallah/Anadolu via Getty
Israel issued a rare statement of regret for a strike on the only Catholic church in Gaza, which killed three people, injured 10 and left the church seriously damaged on Thursday.
The big picture: The strike, which Israel claims was a mistake, led to backlash from world leaders, including Pope Leo XIV, and a call from President Trump to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Driving the news: Asked about Trump's reaction to the strike in Thursday's press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said it was "not a positive reaction."
Behind the scenes: A U.S. official told Axios that Trump was upset when he heard about the attack on the church, asked his team why Israel did it, and wanted to get Netanyahu on the phone right away.
- On that call, Trump asked Netanyahu for clarification. When Netanyahu said it had been a mistake, Trump demanded he put out a statement to that effect, the official said. Soon thereafter, he did.
What they're saying: "Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza's Holy Family Church. 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," the Israeli statement released soon thereafter said.
Between the lines: Israel hardly ever admits fault over its military's conduct in Gaza, particularly this quickly.
- This swift statement of regret underscores Trump's significant leverage over Israel when it comes to Gaza.
Update: Netanyahu called Pope Leo on Friday to discuss the attack.
- The Vatican said the pope renewed his call for a ceasefire and an end to the war, expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis, particularly for the young, sick and elderly, and "reiterated the urgency of protecting places of worship."
How it happened: Hundreds of Palestinians were sheltering in Holy Family church, which has provided refuge to the enclave's small Christian minority during the war, when the roof was struck on Thursday morning local time.
- Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, said a tank fired on the church and that while Israel said it was a mistake, "we are not sure about this. They hit the church directly."
- Parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli, who came to international attention when it emerged that the late Pope Francis would call him every evening during the war, was lightly injured.
The latest: The Israel Defense Forces released a statement claiming preliminary indications were that "shrapnel" struck the church, but that the incident was under review.
Zoom out: The church sustained significant damage, according to statements from church authorities. It has continued to hold mass throughout the war and provide other services to Palestinian civilians.
- Around 70% of buildings in Gaza had been damaged or destroyed as of January, according to a UN estimate. More than 58,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.
What to watch: There has been progress this week toward a ceasefire and hostage deal, which the mediators hope will be concluded in the coming days.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with details of the call between Netanyahu and Pope Leo. The photo caption was corrected to show the service was held at the Church of Saint Porphyrius (not at Holy Family Church).
