Washington accepts Netanyahu's explanation that the bombing of the church in Gaza was a mistake.

The White House said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told US President Donald Trump on Thursday that the strike on a Catholic church in Gaza was a "mistake."

White House spokeswoman Caroline Levitt told reporters that Trump had a phone call with Netanyahu after the president's "unfavorable reaction" to learning of the strike.

"The Israelis' targeting of the Catholic Church was a mistake, and that's what Prime Minister Netanyahu told President Trump," she added.

For her part, US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce indicated in her press conference on Thursday that the administration accepts the Israeli explanation and will conduct an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

"In this case, of course, it was an accident," Bruce said. "I think Netanyahu's response was a fitting start."

Bruce added, "We offer our condolences to the citizens of the Catholic Church for the victims. We have asked Israel to investigate the raid and ensure the safety of all civilians, including Christian citizens. This is one of our repeated demands to everyone in our efforts to stop the war and engage in a ceasefire, given the horrific dynamics prevailing around the world when this situation continues."

The spokeswoman reiterated: "Israel has expressed its deep sorrow for the damage and for any civilian casualties, and the IDF, as you know, is investigating. And of course, for further information, we refer you to the government of Israel. I can tell you, as I think Caroline (White House spokeswoman) also indicated, that President Trump also spoke to the prime minister, and I think he was not happy."

Spokesperson Ross read from the Israeli military statement, which claimed: "The IDF is aware of reports of damage to the Holy Family Church in Gaza City and injuries at the scene. The circumstances of the incident are under review. The IDF is making every effort to minimize harm to civilians and civilian facilities, including religious sites, and regrets any damage caused."

"So, I think that's a good indication of their understanding of what the world expects, what we expect, and of course, their appreciation for the president's call as well, which is helpful to all of us," Bruce concluded.

Netanyahu announced that Israel "deeply regrets" the strike on the church, describing it as a "tragedy," according to a statement from his office. Netanyahu claimed, "Israel deeply regrets that stray munitions struck the Holy Family Church in Gaza. Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share the pain of the families and the faithful."

An Israeli drone targeted the Latin Monastery Church in the Old City of Gaza City on Thursday, leaving three dead: Fumiya Ayyad, 88, Najwa Ayyad, 74, and Saad Issa Salama, 64, and a large number of wounded, including the church's pastor, Father Gabriel Romanelli, who was injured in the foot. The bombing also destroyed large parts of the targeted site. The Israeli army said earlier that it was investigating the incident.

Dozens of displaced Christian families reside in the church, which is considered one of the oldest Christian religious centers in the Gaza Strip.