In a tragic incident that has drawn widespread condemnation from Christian Churches, an airstrike targeted a building adjacent to the historic St. Porphyrios Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza, resulting in the loss of several lives.

The devastating attack occurred on Thursday evening and claimed the lives of at least 16 Christians, including ten individuals from a single family. The building, affiliated with the ancient St. Porphyrios Church, was reduced to rubble by Israeli missile strikes.

The St. Porphyrios Greek Orthodox Church, one of the oldest in Gaza, had become a sanctuary for approximately 400 people, predominantly Christians, seeking refuge since the conflict began nearly two weeks ago. Tragically, a large number of people, both Christians and Muslim families, were injured by the explosion, some with severe injuries.

Among the victims were young Christians participating in the "Employment Generation Project" for Christian youth, administered by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The damaged building was located in close proximity to the Holy Family Catholic Church, where around 500 more Christians were seeking shelter. Faced with this dire situation, many families from the Greek Orthodox compound were compelled to relocate to the Holy Family parish church, despite its already full capacity. Disturbingly, the Catholic compound itself was reportedly subjected to stun bomb attacks on the same evening.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate issued a strong statement condemning the strike. They emphasized that "targeting churches and their affiliated institutions, along with the shelters they provide for innocent citizens, especially children and women who have lost their homes due to Israeli bombings in residential areas over the past thirteen days, constitutes a war crime that cannot be overlooked."

The World Council of Churches (WCC) also joined the chorus of condemnation, denouncing the attack as unconscionable. The WCC's general secretary, Rev. Jerry Pillay, urged the global community to enforce protections in Gaza for places of sanctuary, including hospitals, schools, and houses of worship. He expressed condolences to Patriarch Theophilos II and all the Greek Orthodox believers, extending prayers for healing to the wounded in this tragic event.