"Regarding this episode, it's a dramatic development. Let's give them time, as much as necessary, for them to tell us what actually happened, whether it was truly a mistake, which is legitimately doubtful, or whether there was a deliberate intent to attack a Christian church, knowing how much Christians are a moderating force in the Middle East."

Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said this in an interview with Tg2, which was reported by Vatican media.

The reference is to the IDF artillery shell that hit the only Catholic church in the Strip, which has become a shelter for displaced people, causing three deaths and several injuries, including the parish priest.

This latest dramatic episode in the conflict has brought the Jewish state back under the microscope for the harshness of its offensive against Hamas.

(Unioneonline)