Urgent Call Amidst Gaza Tensions
In a significant development on July 17, U.S. President Donald Trump initiated a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following a deadly Israeli strike on Gaza's only Catholic church, the Holy Family Church in Gaza City. The White House confirmed the conversation, noting that Trump's reaction to the incident was far from positive. The strike, which occurred on Thursday, resulted in the tragic loss of three lives and left 10 others wounded, as reported by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
The urgency of the call underscores the mounting tensions in the region, with the White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt stating that Trump was deeply upset upon learning of the attack. According to a U.S. official cited by Axios reporter Barak Ravid, Trump immediately sought answers from his team about why Israel conducted the strike and insisted on speaking directly with Netanyahu to address the incident.
Israel's Response and Regret
In the aftermath of the strike and following pressure from Trump, Netanyahu expressed regret over the incident, describing it as a 'mistake' involving stray ammunition. This statement was reported by multiple sources, including the White House, which highlighted Israel's acknowledgment of the unintended nature of the attack on the church in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City. The damage to the historic structure has drawn international attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Netanyahu's expression of regret came after what was described as a terse conversation with Trump. While details of their discussion remain limited, it is clear that the incident has strained diplomatic interactions, with the U.S. seeking explanations for the strike on a civilian religious site amidst broader ceasefire negotiations in the region.
Broader Context of Ceasefire Efforts
The church strike occurs against the backdrop of ongoing efforts by the U.S. administration to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. President Trump has been vocal about the need for progress in these talks, with earlier reports indicating his push for a deal as signs of potential agreement emerged between the conflicting parties. The timing of this incident adds complexity to the delicate negotiations, especially as Netanyahu is set to meet with Trump in Washington to further discuss Middle East issues.
The White House emphasized Trump's commitment to addressing high-stakes issues in the region, even as this specific incident has cast a shadow over diplomatic efforts. The strike on the Holy Family Church serves as a stark reminder of the civilian toll in the conflict, prompting renewed calls for accountability and protection of non-combatant spaces during military operations.