IDF says deadly Gazan church strike result of misfired munition

The IDF says that the Catholic church struck in Gaza City last Thursday was unintentionally hit during a military operation, while also confirming civilian injuries and damage to the site.

A probe completed last night by the Southern Command found that the Holy Family Church compound — Gaza’s only Catholic church — was hit due to a misfired munition during IDF activity in the area. Adjustments were made mid-operation to improve targeting accuracy, and the army says guidelines for using fire near religious and sensitive sites have since been reinforced.

The incident, which the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said killed three people and injured several others, including parish priest Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, sparked international condemnation and an expression of “deep sorrow” from Israel. At the time, the Foreign Ministry said Israel “never targets churches or religious sites.”

The IDF says it has coordinated the entry of humanitarian aid — food, medicine, and supplies — into the church through COGAT and enabled a visit by Greek and Latin Patriarchate representatives. Injured civilians have been evacuated for further medical treatment.

The military reiterates that it targets only military objectives and expresses regret for any civilian harm.