Israel’s bombing of historic Gaza church condemned by Christian leaders

Israel’s bombing of the historic Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza has been condemned by Christian leaders in Palestine. 

The Israeli air strike on Thursday killed and wounded several people, and caused serious damage to the church and nearby buildings. 

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem said on Friday: “Targeting churches and their institutions, along with the shelters they provide to protect innocent citizens, especially children and women who have lost their homes due to Israeli airstrikes on residential areas over the past 13 days, constitutes a war crime that cannot be ignored.” 

Palestinians Christians and Muslims in Gaza have fled to churches and church-run institutions in recent days, including Saint Porphyrius, to seek shelter from Israel’s bombing campaign. 

The Greek Orthodox church is thought to be the third oldest church in the world. A church was first built on the site in 425 CE, though the current building was constructed in the 12th century. 

Ramzi Khoury, head of the Higher Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, said the bombing indicated Israel’s “intentions to annihilate the Palestinian people”. 

“Targeting places of worship constitutes a war crime, and international law makes it clear that houses of worship may under no circumstances be subjected to attacks,” he said in a statement.