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Netanyahu apologizes for Gaza church strike

Following a call with President Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a rare apology, saying the only Catholic church in Gaza was hit by stray ammunition. The blast killed three civilians. Ramy Inocencio reports.
Jul 18, 2025 (02:17)

TRANSCRIPT FOR: “NETANYAHU APOLOGIZES FOR DEADLY STRIKE ON CATHOLIC CHURCH IN GAZA”

RAMY INOCENCIO:
00:00:16

Mass this morning at Gaza's only Catholic Church devolved from peace to chaos. The parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, just hours later was being treated with several others, some gravely injured, like this mother pierced by shrapnel. [SPEAKING ARABIC]

RAMY INOCENCIO:
00:00:35

Her son said, "This is brutal and unjustified by the Israeli occupation." An Israeli tank fired on the church compound at the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. At least three people were killed. Two funerals held at Gaza's oldest church. In London, we spoke with an Israeli couple held captive in Gaza, Aviva Siegel for nearly two months, her husband, Israeli American Keith Siegel, for 16. It's believed 50 hostages are still held by Hamas, with just 20 thought to be alive. Do you think that the continued war, the continued bombardment of Gaza is in the best interest for their survival? I do know that Hamas is not releasing the hostages, and that's the whole problem. They need to release the hostages, and this whole war will finish.

RAMY INOCENCIO:
00:01:28

After the press conference, we sat down. What will get them home? Is it more pounding, or is it more peace talks? I am alive because of President Trump's efforts that secured an agreement. [SPEAKING ARABIC]

RAMY INOCENCIO:
00:01:43

In Gaza, more than 58,000 people are dead, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, leading to accusations of genocide. Is the application of that word genocide, is it OK? Hamas is responsible of all what's happening in Gaza too. They need to release the hostages and let their people free.

RAMY INOCENCIO:
00:02:07

She adds that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a good man and doing all he can. Ramy Inocencio, CBS News, London.

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