Trump called Netanyahu to address strike on Catholic church in Gaza: White House

WASHINGTON

US President Donald Trump spoke on the phone with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to address a strike on a Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, according to the White House.

"It was not a positive reaction," spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters about the president’s reaction to the church coming under Israeli fire.

"He called Prime Minister Netanyahu this morning to address the strikes on that church in Gaza, and I understand the prime minister agreed to put out a statement. It was a mistake by the Israelis to hit that Catholic church. That's what the prime minister relayed to the president," said Leavitt.

Three people were killed and several injured when the Israeli army struck the church in northern Gaza on Thursday, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said.

The Patriarchate said nine other people were wounded, including one in critical condition, in the attack that targeted the Catholic Holy Family Church in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City.

Among those injured was the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, who sustained a light injury, it added.