Jerusalem Patriarchate calls Gaza temple strike a war crime

Consequences of the strike on the St. Porphyrius Church in Gaza. Photo: Jerusalem Patriarchate’s website

The Jerusalem Patriarchate condemned the Israeli Air Force airstrike on the St Porphyrios Church in Gaza and called it a war crime, reports the Church's press service.

"The Patriarchate emphasizes that 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 thirteen days, constitutes a war crime that cannot be ignored," the statement said.

"Despite the evident targeting of the facilities and shelters of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and other churches – including the Episcopal Church of Jerusalem Hospital, other schools, and social institutions – the Patriarchate, along with the other churches, remain committed to fulfilling its religious and moral duty in providing assistance, support, and refuge to those in need, amidst continuous Israeli demands to evacuate these institutions of civilians and the pressures exerted on the churches in this regard," the Jerusalem Patriarchate said.

As reported, Israel launched an airstrike on an Orthodox church in Gaza.

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