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Israel says it 'deeply regrets' deaths at Gaza's only Catholic church
Israel has said it "deeply regrets" three deaths at Gaza's only Catholic church, adding that a "stray ammunition" hit the building.
A further nine people were injured in the incident at the Holy Family Church, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said earlier on Thursday. Parish priest Father Gabriele Romanelli, an Argentinian who used to regularly update the late Pope Francis about the conflict in Gaza, was lightly injured.
A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said: "Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share the grief of the families and the faithful.
"Israel is investigating the incident and remains committed to protecting civilians and holy sites." The office also said it is "grateful to Pope Leo for his words of comfort" after the Catholic leader said he was "deeply saddened". The pope also called for an "immediate ceasefire" in a telegram for the victims.
He expressed his "profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation and enduring peace in the region," according to the telegram, which was signed by the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, told the Vatican News website that the church was shelled by a tank.
"What we know for sure is that a tank, the IDF says by mistake, but we are not sure about this, they hit the Church directly, the Church of the Holy Family, the Latin Church.
Amir Nisi
Creative and experienced content writer with 6+ years of experience lazy to create unique content strategy for News5 to turn website visitors into customers.
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