Israel implementing plan of 'genocide' against our people in Gaza Strip: Head of church committee in Palestine

ISTANBUL (AA) - Israel’s bombardment of the Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza indicates its “intentions to annihilate the Palestinian people,” the head of the Higher Committee for Churches Affairs in Palestine said Thursday.

In a statement published on its official website early Friday, Ramzi Khoury “condemned the Israeli bombardment of the premises of Saint Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza, where around 500 Palestinian Muslims and Christians are seeking shelter.”

It added that the Israeli strike targeted the church’s council building.

The statement also stressed that “targeting places of worship constitutes a war crime, and international law makes it clear that houses of worship may under no circumstances be subjected to attacks.”

The statement also pointed out the historical importance of the church.

“The Church of Saint Porphyrius is the third oldest church in the world, constructed in 425 CE and later renovated in 1856. It is located just meters away from Al Ahli Baptist Hospital, where Israel committed a horrific massacre on Tuesday, resulting in the mass murder of hundreds of innocent Palestinians.”