IDF Confirms Artillery Misfire Hit Gaza Church, No Soldier Punishments

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Wednesday that a technical malfunction in artillery systems led to the accidental strike on the Holy Family Church in Gaza City last Thursday, which resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to several others.

Images from the site showed severe damage to the church, with its roof hit near the main cross, windows shattered, and the stone facade scorched. The incident has sparked criticism from the Catholic Church and some of Israel’s Western allies, who questioned the military’s operational safeguards in Gaza.

According to the initial IDF probe, the incident was caused by a munitions malfunction, not human error. As such, no soldiers involved will face disciplinary action. “Lessons have been learned to adjust artillery open fire rules when attacks are taking place near sensitive sites,” the IDF stated, though details on how these adjustments will be implemented remain unclear.

For nearly two years of conflict, Israel has frequently faced the challenge of operating in areas where terrorist groups embed themselves near civilian and religious buildings. In recent months, some military sources note that under Southern Command Chief Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asur, firing procedures have been more assertive compared to the earlier stages of the war.

The IDF has since opened the church area for visits, providing transparency and medical assistance to those affected. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously issued an apology to the Catholic Church over the incident.

While the IDF expressed regret for the harm caused, it reaffirmed its commitment to minimizing civilian casualties and ensuring operational precision, even under the complex realities of urban warfare in Gaza.

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