Jerusalem Church condemns Israel's shelling of an Orthodox centre in Gaza
Consequences of Israel's strike on the Orthodox Center in Gaza. Photo: the Jerusalem Patriarchate website
The Jerusalem Patriarchate condemned the Israeli shelling of the Orthodox Cultural Centre in the Tel Al-Hawa area of the Gaza Strip, reports the Patriarchate's press service.
The statement says that the shelling of Gaza is "a stark embodiment of Israel’s unwarranted determination to destroy the civil infrastructure and social service centres, as well as shelters for civilians trapped in the besieged enclave". The Patriarchate highlights that social, cultural, and sports centres have become vital providers of essential humanitarian services and safe havens for those affected by Israeli airstrikes targeting residential areas.
The Patriarchate noted that the Israeli military "has targeted 19 places of worship, including mosques and churches, in Gaza during the past three weeks of the devastating conflict."
"Such attacks on civilians, particularly children, and the deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure, cannot be justified on rational or humanitarian grounds and are fundamentally at odds with even the most basic moral values.," says the Jerusalem Patriarchate.
The Patriarchate reiterates its firm demand for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and pledges to continue its international efforts to achieve this goal as soon as possible.
As reported, the Jerusalem Patriarchate called the strike on the temple in Gaza a war crime.
Read also
Bulgarian Patriarch: OCU issue discussed in Istanbul
According to the BOC head, during the visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Ukrainian issue was considered with respect for the position of the Bulgarian Church.
Shevchuk to Cherkasy officials: UGCC is on the information war front lines
The head of the UGCC told officials in Cherkasy region that the church has become an important participant in the information war.
Ukraine’s ambassador to U.S. tells congresswoman why authorities target UOC
According to Stefanishyna, the UOC speaks about persecution because it is “linked to Moscow”.
Christmas procession visits UOC churches in Kamianske
A procession with revered shrines is taking place in the city, before which prayers are offered for peace and for the people of Kamianske.
In Kherson, Met. Ioann serves funeral for UOC priest killed by drone strike
The ruling hierarch of the Kherson Eparchy led the funeral service for Archpriest Heorhii Horbenko.
Persecuted UOC parish in Kruty celebrates Christmas in makeshift space
The parish has been celebrating the Nativity of Christ outside its church building for the second year in a row.