Wednesday, July 23, 2025 - In a rare and forceful intervention, President Donald Trump directly rebuked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the deadly airstrike on Gaza's only Catholic church, which tragically killed three civilians and injured ten, including the parish priest.
According to the White House, Trump’s immediate reaction was “not positive,” and he demanded accountability. Netanyahu subsequently issued a formal statement expressing regret, stating the church hit was due to “stray ammunition” and pledging an IDF investigation, a rare admission prompted by pressure from both the U.S. and global faith leaders.
The global outcry has been swift and vocal. Vatican officials and Christian clerics, including Cardinal Pizzaballa, described the attack as morally unacceptable, with Pope Leo XIV calling for an immediate ceasefire.
Even staunch allies voiced concern: Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the strike as “unacceptable,” and a chorus of international observers warned it could deepen humanitarian distress.
Public sentiment in the U.S. mirrored this tone, with Reuters confirming that Trump’s terse call reflected serious alarm within the White House
This high-stakes incident could crack open the once-solid U.S.–Israel alignment. Trump's public rebuke and Netanyahu’s rare apology may empower congressional calls for tighter oversight on military aid.
Regional policy strategist Dr. Lina Khatib noted, “Admissions like this signal pressure points networks of accountability are reactivating.” The unfolding investigation offers a glimmer of hope, but the risk of further religious-targeted violence remains real.
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