Nairobi, July 24, (dpa/GNA) – Israeli shelling of a Catholic church in the Gaza Strip which left three people last week, was the result of an accident, according to the military’s investigation into the incident released on Wednesday.
The report states that the church was accidentally hit, due to “unintended deviation of ammunition”.
The guidelines for the use of ammunition near religious buildings, shelters and other sensitive locations have been further clarified, an Israeli military spokesman said.
He reiterated that Israel’s armed forces try to minimize damage to civilians and civilian infrastructure during their military operations in Gaza.
Nevertheless, civilians in the sealed-off coastal territory continue to be killed in the conflict.
Three people died and nine were seriously injured in the shelling of the Holy Family Church in the centre of Gaza City on July 17.
According to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, many people who had lost their homes in the war had sought refuge in the church.
The incident prompted Pope Leo XIV to once again call for an immediate ceasefire. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem strongly condemned the attack on civilians and a holy site.
A White House spokeswoman said US President Donald Trump, had called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the incident.
GNA