Netanyahu calls Pope Leo after deadly Israeli strike on Gazan church
"During the meeting, the Holy Father renewed his appeals for renewed impetus to negotiations and for a ceasefire and an end to the war. He reiterated his concern for the dramatic humanitarian situation of the population in Gaza, whose excruciating price is being paid especially by children, the elderly, and the sick," the Vatican said in a statement to ABC News.
"The Holy Father reiterated the urgency of protecting places of worship and above all the faithful and all people in Palestine and Israel," the Vatican said.
In a statement Thursday, Israel said it "deeply regrets" the strike on the only Catholic church in Gaza, attributing it to a "stray ammunition."
"Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza's Holy Family Church. Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share the grief of the families and the faithful," the Israeli prime minister's office said in a statement. "Israel is investigating the incident and remains committed to protecting civilians and holy sites."
Of the 10 wounded, one was in critical condition and two were in serious condition, according to a statement from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem on Thursday.
"His holiness Pope Leo XIV was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack on the Holy Family Church in Gaza," the Vatican press office said in a statement Thursday.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem -- the representative of Catholics in Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan and Cyprus -- arrived in the war-torn Gaza Strip on Friday morning as part of an ecclesiastical delegation in the aftermath of the Israeli strike on the Holy Family Church.
MORE: 10 Palestinians killed in IDF airstrike near water distribution point in Nuseirat Camp: Medical officials
"During their stay, the delegation will meet with members of the local Christian community, offer condolences and solidarity, and stand alongside those affected by the recent events," according to a press release from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. "His Beatitude Cardinal Pizzaballa will personally assess the humanitarian and pastoral needs of the community, to help guide the Church's continued presence and response."
In coordination with humanitarian partners, the parish said access was secured to provide "essential assistance" to the Christian community and to "as many families as possible" in Gaza.
"This includes hundreds of tons of food supplies as well as first aid kits and urgently needed medical equipment," the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said. "In addition, the Patriarchate ensured the evacuation of individuals injured in the attack to medical institutions outside Gaza where they will receive care.
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