U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed strong displeasure with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after an Israeli airstrike hit Gaza’s only Catholic church, killing three and wounding at least ten others.
According to senior White House and State Department officials, Trump called Netanyahu directly following the incident, which targeted the Holy Family Church in Gaza City—where hundreds of displaced Palestinians had been taking shelter amid ongoing conflict.
Israeli Strike Hits Gaza’s Only Catholic Church
On Thursday, Israeli shelling struck the Holy Family Church in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, causing significant damage to the compound and wounding civilians, including Rev. Gabriel Romanelli, a priest known to have ties to the late Pope Francis.
The church, the only Catholic place of worship in Gaza, had been serving as a refuge for many Palestinians fleeing the violence.
White House: Trump’s Reaction Was “Not Positive”
During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump had a phone call with Netanyahu following the incident.
“It was not a positive reaction,” Leavitt said. “He called Prime Minister Netanyahu this morning to discuss the strikes on that church in Gaza.”
Leavitt added that Netanyahu acknowledged the attack as a mistake and committed to issuing a public statement.
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department went even further, telling reporters:
“I think it’s an understatement to say that he [Trump] was not happy.”
The U.S. has formally requested Israel conduct a full investigation into the strike.
Israel Expresses Regret Over Civilian Deaths
Following Trump’s call, the Israeli government issued an official statement, expressing “deep regret” over what it described as “stray ammunition” hitting the church.
“Every innocent life lost is a tragedy,” Netanyahu’s office stated, adding that steps are being taken to investigate how the church was hit.
Vatican Responds
Pope Leo condemned the strike and offered prayers for the victims. He said he was “deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack”, expressing solidarity with Rev. Romanelli and the parish.
“The Holy Father continues to hope for dialogue, reconciliation, and a lasting peace in the region,” the Vatican said in a statement.
