The Higher Presidential Committee for Churches Affairs in Palestine strongly condemns Israeli bombardment of the Arab Orthodox Cultural Center in Gaza and the destruction of significant parts of its facilities. Such aggression adds up to the endless war crimes Israel is committing against the Palestinian people. The center provided refuge for hundreds of displaced Palestinians seeking shelter from indiscriminate Israeli bombardment.
Dr. Ramzi Khouri, member of the PLO Executive Committee and Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Churches Affairs in Palestine has called for immediate international intervention to put an end to Israel’s genocidal campaign against the Palestinian people in Gaza.
The devastating toll of the war on Gaza is evident, with 8308 Palestinians killed, including 3457 children and 2136 women. Additionally, more than 21,000 have been wounded and 1960 are still missing beneath the rubble. In the West Bank, Israeli crimes escalated with 122 Palestinians killed and 1970 wounded, while over 1980 Palestinians have been arrested so far.
Under international law, cultural centers, such as the Arab Orthodox Cultural Center in Gaza are protected, and targeting them is strictly prohibited. Nevertheless, Israel persists in violating these principles, enabled by the silence of the international community, and continues to target cultural centers, homes, hospitals and places of worship in blatant violation of international and humanitarian law. Such actions are recognized as war crimes and crime against humanity, and those responsible must be held accountable under international law, the Geneva Conventions, and the Rome Statute.
Israeli airstrikes have destroyed the eastern building of the center, which housed a sports center, a theatre and administrative offices. These attacks reflect a clear Israeli intention to destroy every aspect of life in Gaza. The Center served all members of the Palestinians in various cultural, sports and social fields.
The Higher Presidential Committee urges churches worldwide to exert pressure on their respective governments to bring an end to this unjust war and protect the innocent Palestinians. Furthermore, the Higher Presidential Committee denounces Israeli plans to displace the Palestinian people.
