diff --git a/kittens/diff/patch.py b/kittens/diff/patch.py
index 44c777a76..b9d8d856f 100644
--- a/kittens/diff/patch.py
+++ b/kittens/diff/patch.py
@@ -200,7 +200,7 @@ def parse_patch(raw: str) -> Patch:
         else:
             if current_hunk is None:
                 continue
-            q = line[0]
+            q = line[0] if line else ''
             if q == '+':
                 current_hunk.add_line()
             elif q == '-':