By Alvise Armellini

GAZA, July 18 (Reuters) - Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, entered Gaza on Friday to offer humanitarian aid and offer condolences for those killed in an Israeli bombing of the only Catholic church in the Palestinian enclave.

Three people were killed and others injured in an airstrike that targeted the Holy Family Church compound in Gaza City on Thursday. Photos released by the church showed damage to the roof near the main cross, with the stone facade burned and windows shattered.

The church has provided shelter to hundreds of Palestinians since the start of the Israeli military campaign against the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in the Gaza Strip in October 2023, following the movement's attack on Israel.

In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Cardinal Pizzaballa said that the Catholic presence would remain in Gaza "whatever happens," and expressed skepticism about Israeli statements that the bombing was a mistake.

"We're not a target. They say it was a mistake. Even if everyone here thinks it wasn't," he said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated on Thursday that the incident was the result of a "stray shell" and said that Israel "is investigating the incident and remains committed to protecting civilians and holy sites."

The Vatican said Netanyahu called Pope Leo on Friday. A statement said the pope reiterated his call for a ceasefire and an end to the war in Gaza and expressed concern over the "tragic" humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave.

No statement has yet been issued by Netanyahu's office, which also discussed the incident with US President Donald Trump. The White House described Trump's reaction to the raid as "not positive."

It is extremely rare for foreign officials to enter Gaza, as Israel maintains a closed border. Pizzaballa was accompanied on his visit by Theophilos III, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, headed by Pizzaballa, said in a statement that he and Theophilos III brought "hundreds of tons of food supplies, as well as urgently needed first aid kits and medical equipment."

The Patriarchate added that the aid is not only intended for Christians in Gaza, but also for "as many families as possible," noting that it has also undertaken to evacuate those injured in the attack on the church.

Pizzaballa told Vatican media that Pope Leo also called him and Theophilus on Friday to express his support for their mission. Pope Leo expressed his "deep sorrow" over the attack on Thursday but did not blame Israel.

The Vatican said the Pope expressed his love and affection for the Church in Gaza and "reaffirmed his determination to do everything in his power to stop the needless shedding of innocent blood."

(Prepared by Amira Zahran for the Arabic edition - Edited by Mohamed Attia)