The Israeli army issued a brief statement confirming that the church was hit by mistake, although the specific causes behind the incident are still unknown.
It was also suggested that the wounded were hit by fragments from a shell fired during operational activity in the area.
Meanwhile, in Gaza’s only Catholic parish, there is still a sense of shock following the attack. On the morning of the next day, they received a visit from the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pizzaballa, and his counterpart from the Greek Orthodox Church.
Pope Leo XIV spoke with Cardinal Pizzaballa by phone to express his closeness. He also used strong words condemning the attack. The Patriarch said that the Pontiff told him it was unjustifiable.
The purpose of Cardinal Pizzaballa’s pastoral visit was to show solidarity with those affected and to assess the damage and needs of the community.
JRB
Trans. CRT
