Sri Lanka, July 17 -- Pope Leo XIV has renewed his call for a Gaza ceasefire after three people sheltering in the Catholic church in Gaza City were killed in an Israeli strike.

A telegram said the Pope was "deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack" on the Holy Family Church.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which oversees the church, said it was "struck by the Israeli army". Nine other people were wounded, one of whom is in a critical condition in hospital. The parish priest was lightly injured.

Israel's foreign ministry said it regretted any harm to a religious site or uninvolved civilians and the Israeli military said the incident was under review.

Many displaced families from Gaza's ...