Netanyahu apologizes to Pope for bombing church — RT World Information
Israeli chief has expressed “deep remorse” over the “stray ammunition” that struck Gaza’s solely Catholic church
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued an apology in a cellphone name with Pope Leo following an Israeli tank shelling that struck the Holy Household Catholic Church in Gaza, killing three individuals – together with the church’s priest – and injuring ten others.
The incident occurred on Thursday when an Israeli tank fired a spherical on the church compound, which was serving as a refuge for lots of of displaced Palestinians, together with kids and folks with disabilities. The IDF described the shelling as unintentional and stated it’s reviewing the incident.
On Friday, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III have been granted unprecedented entry to Gaza to tour the broken church.
Netanyahu additionally personally known as Pope Leo to specific remorse over the “stray ammunition” incident and to convey “Israel’s heartfelt condolences to the households of these harm.”
PM Netanyahu despatched Israel’s heartfelt condolences for the households of these harm within the incident.The PM additionally gave His Holiness an replace on Israel’s efforts to safe a hostage launch offers and a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, efforts which have up to now not been reciprocated by Hamas.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 18, 2025
Through the name, Pope Leo reiterated his name for a direct ceasefire and urged safety for locations of worship, the devoted, and civilians throughout Gaza and Israel.
Israel launched its army marketing campaign in Gaza in October 2023 following a lethal Hamas incursion, by which over 1,200 Israelis have been killed and lots of taken hostage. Since then, the IDF has reportedly killed almost 57,800 Palestinians, most of them ladies and youngsters, resulting in accusations of genocide in opposition to the Israeli management.
In October 2023, simply days after the battle started, the Israeli military equally bombed the Church of Saint Porphyrius, killing no less than 18 individuals. Every week later, the enclave’s third Christian church, the Gaza Baptist Church, was broken in a lethal strike on al-Ahli Arab Hospital, which Israel blamed on a “misfired” Palestinian rocket.
The Vatican described the scenario in Gaza as “dramatic,” whereas in Washington, President Donald Trump was reportedly “upset” by the most recent assault on a church and known as Netanyahu to debate the incident. Regardless of the apology, airstrikes resumed on Friday, with no less than 14 extra Palestinians reported killed throughout Gaza.
