A new controversy erupts as support varies among church factions over the Jewish state, pulling in an unusual array of voices.

Pope Leo XIV has condemned the “barbarity” of the Gaza war and called out “collective punishment” as officials said dozens more Palestinians were killed queuing for aid on Sunday. The pontiff renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, asking the international community to respect international laws and the obligation to protect civilians.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized Thursday for the Israeli Defense Force's bombing of Gaza's only Catholic church Thursday morning.