Israel strikes Gaza church, Trump calls Netanyahu

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following an Israeli strike on a Catholic church in Gaza, the White House said on Thursday.

Netanyahu told Trump the attack was a mistake, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who noted that the president's reaction “was not positive.”

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said the strike hit the Church of the Holy Family, the only Catholic church in Gaza. Two civilians were killed, and Argentine priest Gabriel Romanelli — a former associate of Pope Francis — was injured.

The Vatican expressed condolences and called for an immediate ceasefire in a message signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin on behalf of Pope Leo XIV.

Israel's Foreign Ministry said the church was not a target and expressed regret. The incident is under investigation.