IDF: Gaza Church Strike Due to 'Unintentional' Mortar Error

Investigation into the Incident at the Holy Family Church

Six days after an explosion in the Holy Family Church in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of three Gazans, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a detailed statement summarizing its investigation into the incident. The military clarified that an Israeli mortar grenade, not a tank shell as previously reported, was responsible for the deadly impact.

According to the IDF, the explosion occurred during operational activity by troops in the area of Gaza City. The statement explained that the church was accidentally hit due to an unintentional deviation of munitions. Footage from the scene showed that the munition struck the edge of the church facade, causing minor damage. Videos taken inside the building after the incident, during a visit by Pierbattista Cardinal Pizzaballa, Patriarch of Jerusalem, indicated that the interior remained undamaged.

The Holy Family Church has served as a shelter for several hundred people, mostly Christians, throughout the war. In response to the incident, the IDF stated that adjustments were made to improve the accuracy of fire. Additionally, guidelines for opening fire near religious buildings, shelters, and other sensitive sites were further clarified.

The military also noted that it coordinated the entry of a delegation consisting of the Greek and Latin Patriarchs, along with a group of Christian clergy, to visit the church. Furthermore, the IDF and the Latin Patriarchate worked together to arrange a special shipment of food, medical equipment, and medication to the Holy Family Church. They also facilitated the evacuation of the injured for further medical treatment.

In its statement, the IDF reiterated its commitment to directing military strikes solely at military targets while striving to minimize harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure, including religious institutions. The IDF expressed regret for any harm caused to civilians.

Reactions from Religious Leaders

On Tuesday, Cardinal Pizzaballa and the Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III held a press conference after returning to Jerusalem “with broken hearts,” as described by Pizzaballa. The cardinal is known for maintaining relatively good relations with Israel, especially when compared to leaders of the Greek Orthodox Church. However, he spoke out against Israel’s actions in Gaza with unusual intensity.

“We have seen it: Men holding out in the sun for hours in the hope of a simple meal. This is a humiliation that is hard to bear when you see it with your own eyes. It is morally unacceptable and unjustifiable,” he said.

Israel had previously expressed “deep regret” over the strike that hit the Catholic Holy Family Church. Despite public apologies, relations between Israel and the Vatican reached a new low when the church issued a harshly worded statement against Israel on Monday.

“Humanitarian aid is not only necessary — it is a matter of life and death. Refusing it is not a delay, but a sentence. Every hour without food, water, medicine, and shelter causes deep harm,” the cardinal continued.

He emphasized the presence of Christ in Gaza, stating, “Christ is not absent from Gaza. He is there — crucified in the wounded, buried under rubble and yet present in every act of mercy, every candle in the darkness, every hand extended to the suffering.”

Pizzaballa called for an end to the conflict, urging all parties to prioritize the common good of the people. His message resonated deeply, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing violence and the urgent need for compassion and action.