Trump criticizes Israeli strike on Gaza church that killed three

US President Donald Trump expressed concern following an Israeli airstrike that struck Gaza’s only Catholic church, killing three people and injuring several others.

The strike on the Holy Family Church in Gaza City occurred on Thursday, July 17, prompting international condemnation and renewed calls for a ceasefire.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump did not have a "positive reaction" to the incident, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

On the morning of July 17, Trump held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the attack. According to Leavitt, during their conversation, Netanyahu described the strike as a "mistake."

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which oversees the parish, confirmed that the church had been sheltering civilians at the time of the strike. Among the wounded was the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli. In a statement, the Patriarchate said that those inside the church had sought refuge there in the hope that “the horrors of war might at least spare their lives after their homes, possessions, and dignity had already been stripped away.” The statement called for an immediate end to the conflict, declaring, “The war must come to a complete end.”

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledged the incident, stating that Israel "deeply regrets that a stray ammunition" struck the Holy Family Church. “Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share the grief of the families and the faithful,” he said, adding that Israel is investigating the incident and “remains committed to protecting civilians and holy sites.”

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) also issued a statement on Thursday, indicating that a preliminary inquiry suggested the church was hit by fragments from a shell fired during military operations in the area. "The cause of the incident is under review," the IDF said. “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.”

Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow over the incident, saying he was “deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury.” He reiterated his call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

By Tamilla Hasanova