Israel Apologizes After Deadly Strike on Gaza Church

Asked about Trump's reaction to the strike in Thursday's press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said it was "not a positive reaction."

A U.S. official told Axios that Trump was upset when he heard about the attack on the church, asked his team why Israel did it, and wanted to get Netanyahu on the phone right away.

"Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza's Holy Family Church. Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share the grief of the families and the faithful. We are grateful to Pope Leo for his words of comfort. Israel is investigating the incident and remains committed to protecting civilians and holy sites," the Israeli statement released soon thereafter said.

The Vatican said the pope renewed his call for a ceasefire and an end to the war, expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis, particularly for the young, sick and elderly, and "reiterated the urgency of protecting places of worship."

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, said a tank fired on the church and that while Israel said it was a mistake, "we are not sure about this. They hit the church directly."