Gaza's Oldest Church Bombed: A Tragic Attack on History and Faith

The oldest church in Gaza City, the Saint Porphyrius Church, which has traditionally served as a sanctuary for both Christians and Muslims during Israel's periodic wars against Gaza, was severely damaged by an Israeli bomb, leaving dozens trapped under slabs of concrete. At least 18 people, including several children, were confirmed dead. The church was sheltering around 200 people, including children, women, elderly, and sick individuals, when it was targeted. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate condemned the strike as a war crime, while the Israeli army claimed the air strike targeted a command and control center involved in launching rockets. The death toll in Gaza since the war began stands at 4,137 Palestinians, including 1,524 children, while 1,403 Israelis have been killed.