Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apologised after an Israeli tank accidentally fired into the compound of the only Catholic church in Gaza, killing three people.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem confirmed that the Holy Family Church was struck by an Israeli shell on Thursday morning. The church had become a refuge for Gaza’s small Christian community during the ongoing conflict.

Netanyahu’s office released a statement expressing sorrow over the strike. “Israel deeply regrets that stray ammunition hit the Holy Family Church. Every innocent life lost is a tragedy,” the statement said.

The statement also mentioned that Israel is currently investigating the situation and promised continued efforts to protect civilians and religious sites.

The Vatican reported that Pope Leo had a phone call with Netanyahu on Friday after the incident. During the conversation, the Pope stressed the need to protect churches and other places of worship.

Pope Leo also repeated his call for a ceasefire in Gaza. He said the humanitarian crisis is worsening, and it’s the children, elderly, and sick who are suffering the most.

According to the White House, Netanyahu also discussed the church incident with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Netanyahu described the strike as a mistake. The White House spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, said Trump did not respond positively to the news.

The Israeli military confirmed that the church was hit by mistake. In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that initial investigations show that fragments from a shell fired during operations near the area struck the church accidentally.

The military added that the cause of the incident is still being reviewed.