IDF: Strike on Gaza Catholic church was accidental

An Israel Defense Forces investigation concluded that a strike on a Catholic church in Gaza was accidental, according to a Wednesday IDF statement. Three elderly civilians died last week and nine were injured when at least one IDF mortar hit the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City. The Israeli military said the inquiry determined that munitions deviated unintentionally. During the military operation, troops made adjustments to improve the accuracy of fire, the IDF said. The IDF regretted harm to civilians, it said, but its statement did not mention that several died in the strike.

Dozens of civilian families, both Christians and Muslims, use the church as a shelter, according to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

What steps did the Israeli military take to remedy the situation? The IDF clarified its guidelines for fire near religious buildings, shelters, and other sensitive sites, it said. Its forces solely direct strikes at military targets and work to mitigate harm to civilians and religious sites as much as possible, it said. The Israeli military also facilitated the entry of food, medical equipment, and medication to the Holy Family Church at the request of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, it said. The IDF also allowed injured people to leave the site for medical treatment and coordinated a Christian clergy visit to the Gaza strip, it said.

How did the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem respond? The patriarchate said the investigation underscored the risks of conducting warfare near religious and civilian sites, according to a statement obtained by The National Catholic Reporter. It also said that the aid delivery facilitated by the Israeli military had not yet arrived, according to the outlet.

Dig deeper: Read my earlier report on the church strike.