Israel’s military said it is examining an incident in which Gaza City’s Holy Family Catholic Church—the enclave’s only Catholic place of worship—was hit by Israeli fire on 17 July, causing damage and civilian casualties. In a written statement the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it "regrets any damage" and is reviewing the circumstances, adding that it seeks to avoid harm to civilians and religious sites. Local church officials and Gaza’s civil-defense service reported at least two fatalities and several injuries, including parish priest Gabriel Romanelli. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem confirmed the deaths and urged protection of non-combatants, while Pope Leo XIV expressed "deep sadness" and reiterated his appeal for an immediate cease-fire. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu phoned former U.S. President Donald Trump after the strike and acknowledged the attack was "a mistake." The admission is one of the rare occasions in which Israel publicly concedes fault for damage to a religious site. An IDF investigation has been opened, and the findings will be released once completed, according to Israel’s foreign ministry. The episode has drawn condemnation from several governments and rights groups, intensifying scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in the 21-month-old Gaza war.