Deaths, injuries as Israeli Occupation targets third oldest church in history

The targeting of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius, considered the third oldest church in the world, in the heart of Gaza City on Thursday evening resulted in numerous casualties, with dozens losing their lives and many sustaining injuries.

The Gaza Strip's Ministry of Interior reported that at the time of the attack, around 50 individuals, predominantly women and children, were inside the church.

Approximately 500 Palestinians, both Muslims and Christians, were evacuated to the church by the Supreme Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine. Meanwhile, the Israeli Occupation continued to target vulnerable groups, including children, women, and the elderly, in hospitals, residences, and places of worship.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem strongly condemned the targeting of churches and related institutions, as well as the shelters they provide to protect Palestinians, particularly children and women who have lost their homes due to residential area bombings over the past 13 days. Such actions are deemed war crimes that demand attention.

It's worth noting that the church is in proximity to the National Arab Baptist Hospital, which was also targeted by the IOF on Tuesday evening, resulting in the loss of 471 lives.