Israel regrets tank attack on Gaza church

Netanyahu avoids admitting strike a mistake even as global outrage mounts

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday expressed regret over the killing of three people at a Catholic church in Gaza, attributing the deaths to a "stray" round while professing respect for "innocent life".

Facing mounting international pressure, Netanyahu claimed the attack was accidental but stopped short of calling it a mistake. "Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza's Holy Family Church. Every innocent life lost is a tragedy," he said, adding that an investigation would be conducted.

His remarks have drawn criticism, with many urging him and his administration to equally treasure the lives of other innocent Gazans — particularly women and children — who continue to suffer and die under the current siege and military assault.