Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret on July 17 after an Israeli tank shell struck the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City—a misfire that killed three civilians, including two women and a man, and injured at least ten others, among them the parish priest Rev. Gabriel Romanelli.

In an unusual gesture, the White House confirmed that President Donald Trump personally phoned Netanyahu, demanding clarification. The U.S. administration described Trump’s reaction as “not positive,” and urged Israel to publicly acknowledge the mistake . Hours later, Netanyahu’s office released a statement:
“Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church … Every innocent life lost is a tragedy,” confirming an IDF probe and pledging to protect civilians and holy sites.

The church—Gaza’s only Catholic refuge—had been sheltering hundreds of displaced civilians, including children and disabled individuals. The incident provoked global condemnation: the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV, and Catholic patriarchs demanded a ceasefire and swift investigation.

Though Israel maintains the strike was inadvertent, critics—citing eyewitness claims—warn of a troubling pattern of civilian harm amid ongoing military operations in Gaza.