Israeli forces killed at least 27 people in attacks in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, including three people who died in a strike on a church that late Pope Francis used to speak to regularly, medics and church officials said.

Israeli leaders said they launched attacks on Syria this week to protect members of the Druze religious group in the country’s south, amid clashes in the area.

An Israeli strike on Gaza's Holy Family Church killed three and injured others, igniting condemnation from the Latin Patriarchate and global figures. The Vatican expressed hope for peace, while Israeli authorities termed it a tragic mistake.

Israeli attacks on places of worship raise concerns over violation of religious freedom and international humanitarian law - Anadolu Ajansı

Pope Leo has expressed his sadness over the deaths of two people following an Israeli strike on Gaza's sole Catholic Church.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — An Israeli shell slammed into the compound of the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, killing three people and wounding 10 others, including the parish priest, according to church officials. The late Pope Francis, who died in April, had regularly spoken to the priest about the war’s toll on civilians.

The strike damaged the Holy Family Church, the only Catholic Church in Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces said it was looking into the matter.

Israel will boost defense expenditure by 42 billion shekels ($12.5 billion) over the next two years to meet the costs of last month’s war with Iran and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Trump urges Israel to "make the deal in Gaza" as envoy Ron Dermer heads to White House meetings, while Israel claims Hamas blocks return of 50 hostages held since Oct. 7.