The investigation revealed that during an operational activity by IDF forces in the Gaza City area, the Latin Church was inadvertently hit due to an unintended deviation of fire.
The strike caused damage to the building and injuries to several Gaza civilians.
During the activity, adjustments were made to improve the accuracy of the fire, and at the conclusion of the incident, guidelines for the use of fire near religious buildings, shelters, and other sensitive sites were refined.
It should be emphasized that, in accordance with the request of the Patriarch’s representatives in Jerusalem, the IDF, through the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, is also facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid, including food, medical equipment, and medicines, to the Latin Church in the Gaza Strip. Additionally, in recent days, the entry of a delegation from the Greek and Latin Patriarchs, accompanied by a group of Christian clergy, was coordinated for a visit to the Latin Church in the Gaza Strip. Alongside this, the evacuation of the wounded from the incident was arranged for continued medical treatment.
The IDF directs its military strikes solely at military targets and takes every possible measure to minimize harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure, including religious institutions. The IDF regrets any harm to civilians.