The recent military strike on a church in Gaza has sparked a significant backlash from world leaders, including former President Donald Trump. In a phone call on Thursday, Trump expressed his disappointment to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as confirmed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during a press briefing. Leavitt stated, “It was not a positive reaction,” emphasizing the seriousness of Trump’s concerns regarding the attack.
During the call, Trump addressed the strikes on the church, prompting Netanyahu to agree to release a public statement. Leavitt relayed Netanyahu's acknowledgment that the attack was “a mistake by the Israelis.” This incident marks a rare moment of criticism from Trump, who has typically supported Netanyahu and his government.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, known for her general support of Israel, also condemned the attack, labeling it “unacceptable.” Her comments reflect a growing discontent among international leaders regarding Israel's military actions against civilian populations in Gaza.
Pope Leo XIV expressed his sorrow over the loss of life and injuries resulting from the military strike, reiterating calls for a ceasefire to halt the ongoing violence. His statements resonate with many who are advocating for peace in a region plagued by conflict.
Among those injured in the recent attack was Father Gabriel Romanelli, the priest of the targeted church, who had received near-daily phone calls from the late Pope Francis during the ongoing conflict. His injury raises further questions about the impact of military actions on innocent civilians.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa expressed skepticism regarding the claim that the strike was an accident, stating, “What we know for sure is that a tank, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) says by mistake, but we are not sure about this. They hit the church directly.” This doubt highlights the complexities and tragedies of the ongoing military operations in Gaza.
The violence in Gaza has resulted in staggering casualties, with nearly 60,000 Palestinians reported killed during Israel’s military campaign, which commenced in retaliation for Hamas’ attack on October 7. This statistic underscores the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region and the urgent need for international intervention and dialogue.
As leaders around the world continue to respond to the strike on the church, the call for a ceasefire and a reassessment of military strategies grows louder. The situation remains volatile, with the hope for peace hanging in the balance.
