By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has admitted that an Israeli airstrike on Gaza’s only Catholic church was “a mistake,” following a phone call with US President Donald Trump. The strike, which occurred on Thursday, targeted the Holy Family Church in Gaza’s Zeitoun neighborhood, killing three people and injuring several others, including one in critical condition.
According to the White House, President Trump expressed concern over the attack, prompting him to contact Netanyahu. During their conversation, Netanyahu conveyed that the bombing of the church was an error on the part of Israeli forces. The attack, which struck a civilian area, also wounded Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest, though his injuries were reportedly minor.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem confirmed the deaths and injuries, with nine other people affected by the attack. The bombing has sparked international outrage, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The incident has put further strain on Israel’s military operations and raised questions about the protection of religious and civilian sites amid ongoing conflicts in the region.
