Israel has reported three dead and nine injured in a strike on a church in Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) attacked the Sagrada Familia Church in the Gaza Strip, killing three people and injuring nine others. This was announced on July 17 by the press service of the Jerusalem Latin Patriarchate.

"The Israeli army attacked the Sagrada Familia Church in Gaza, which belongs to the Latin Patriarchate. As of this hour, three people were killed and nine others were injured as a result of their injuries," the statement said.

According to the IDF, the shell fragments hit the church unintentionally. It is specified that an investigation has been launched into the incident.

"The Israel Defense Forces strikes exclusively at military targets and does everything possible to minimize damage to civilians," the press service said in a Telegram channel.

In addition, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed deep regret over the incident with the ammunition hitting the church, which led to the deaths of civilians.

"Israel deeply regrets that an accidental munition hit the Sagrada Familia Church in Gaza," The Prime Minister's office said in a statement, as cited by The Times of Israel newspaper.

Boiling point: Humanitarian disaster worsens in Gaza amid Israel's plans to seize new territories

Despite US pressure, the IDF intends to occupy 75% of the sector's territory.

Netanyahu said on July 17 that it was Israel's military actions that led to a cease-fire in Syria. He stressed that the agreement announced by Syrian Transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa was the result of the use of force, not negotiations.