Netanyahu Apologizes to Pope for Attacking Gaza Church
(MENAFN) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended an apology during a phone conversation with Pope Leo after a deadly shelling at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, which claimed the lives of three individuals, including the local priest, and left ten others wounded.
The attack took place on Thursday when an Israeli tank launched a projectile at the church compound, which had been providing shelter for hundreds of displaced Palestinians, including children and people with disabilities.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) referred to the strike as accidental, noting that it is currently under investigation.
On Friday, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III were granted exceptional access to Gaza to inspect the damage at the church.
Netanyahu also reached out to Pope Leo directly to express his sorrow for the "stray ammunition" incident and to extend "Israel’s heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected."
During their conversation, Pope Leo reiterated his longstanding call for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized the need for the protection of places of worship, as well as civilians, across both Gaza and Israel.
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