Israel says it regrets deadly strike on Catholic Church in Gaza

PM Benjamin Netanyahu says Thursday's strike on the Holy Family Church in Gaza City was a "mistake".

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"Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share the grief of the families and the faithful," he said in a statement.

The incident happened on Thursday when an Israeli strike hit the Holy Family Church in Gaza City. Several people were also injured, said the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem which oversees the small parish.

Pope Leo XIV said he was "deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury", renewing his call for a Gaza ceasefire.

In his statement, Netanyahu said Israel was "investigating the incident and remains committed to protecting civilians and holy sites".