The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued a statement this evening, condemning in the strongest terms the Israeli bombardment that targeted one of its church buildings in the city of Gaza.
The Patriarchate affirmed in its statement that targeting churches and their affiliated institutions, in addition to the shelters they provide to protect innocent citizens, especially children and women who have lost their homes due to the Israeli bombardment of residential areas during the past thirteen days, constitutes a war crime that cannot be ignored.
The Patriarchate pointed out that despite the clear exposure of facilities and shelters belonging to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and other churches, the Baptist hospital, schools, and other social institutions, it is determined, along with the remaining churches, to continue its religious and moral duty by providing assistance, support, and shelter to those in need, amidst the continuous demands from the Israeli side to evacuate those institutions from civilians and the pressures exerted on the churches in this regard.
The Patriarchate emphasized that it will not abandon its religious and humanitarian duty derived from its Christian values to provide everything necessary in times of war and peace alike.”