In a shocking escalation of violence, a strike on Gaza’s only Catholic church has left at least three dead and ten injured, prompting urgent international condemnation. Over 600 civilians, primarily women and children, were sheltering in the Holy Family Church when the attack occurred on Thursday, igniting outrage and concern from global leaders.

In the wake of this tragedy, President Donald Trump reached out to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing deep discontent over the incident. The White House press secretary confirmed that Netanyahu acknowledged the attack as a mistake, stating, “Israel deeply regrets that stray ammunition hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church.” This admission comes amid increasing scrutiny of Israel’s military operations, which have reportedly targeted multiple churches in Gaza since October 7, 2023.

Pope Leo has been in nightly contact with the congregation, offering solace during this harrowing time. The Israeli military maintains that the strike was accidental, yet skepticism abounds as this is not an isolated incident. Critics argue that such statements often surface only under international pressure, with many questioning the accountability of Israeli forces amid a prolonged conflict that has seen thousands of Palestinian casualties.

As tensions rise, the world watches closely. Netanyahu’s statement indicates an ongoing investigation, but the history of similar incidents raises doubts about genuine accountability. The tragic loss of innocent lives continues to fuel anger and despair, prompting calls for urgent action to protect civilians and holy sites in the region. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as global leaders respond to this latest act of violence.