Pope expresses sadness after Israeli strike on Gaza church kills three

Israel says it regrets any harm to a religious site or uninvolved civilians after a shell hits the Catholic Church of the Holy Family.

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A telegram said the Pope was "deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack" on the Holy Family Church.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which oversees the church, said it was "struck by the Israeli army". Nine other people were wounded, one of whom is in a critical condition in hospital. The parish priest was lightly injured.

Israel's foreign ministry said it regretted any harm to a religious site or uninvolved civilians and the Israeli military said the incident was under review.

Many displaced families from Gaza's small Christian community have been living in the church compound since the war began after their own homes were destroyed.