On October 19, 2023, an Orthodox church in Gaza was violently hit by an Israeli attack, killing, according to Hamas, at least 16 people and injuring many people who had taken refuge within it. Testimonies and images of the rubble of Saint-Porphyre Church bear witness to the extent of the destruction caused by the air raid.
The Israeli army certified that it had carried out a strike in the area to target “terrorist infrastructure” belonging to Hamas. According to their spokesperson, the command and control center of a Hamas terrorist was located near the church. It was therefore a legitimate military target, says the spokesperson.
This attack sparked outrage from the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which strongly condemned the airstrike, calling the targeting of churches and shelters providing protection to civilians a “war crime.” In recent weeks, many civilians have been affected by Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip, and this new attack points to a cycle of violence that continues to worsen.
St. Porphyry Church, the oldest surviving church in the Palestinian territory, is a symbol of Gaza’s history and Christian community. For years, the number of Christians in the Gaza Strip has been in steady decline, and according to local Christian leaders, there are only about a thousand Orthodox Christians left, compared to more than 7,000 before Hamas arrived in the Gaza Strip. power in 2007.
This attack raises many questions about the protection of religious sites and civilians during armed conflicts. The use of churches and other places of worship as shelter for civilians must be respected and protected, in accordance with international humanitarian law. The ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas is endangering the lives of innocent civilians and destroying essential infrastructure, including places of worship.
It is crucial that the international community intervenes to end this escalation of violence and promote the protection of civilians in conflict zones. In the meantime, Gaza residents continue to live in fear and uncertainty, praying that peace will finally return to their region.
The current situation in Gaza is a poignant reminder of the importance of ensuring the protection of religious sites and doing everything possible to preserve the dignity and safety of civilians, regardless of their beliefs. In these troubled times, it is more necessary than ever to remember our common humanity and to work together to build a future of peace and mutual understanding.