Former congressman’s relatives killed in airstrike on historic Gaza church during Israel war.
Tragedy Strikes: Oldest Church in Gaza Hit by Israeli Airstrike, Killing Palestinian Christians
In a devastating turn of events, the St. Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza City, one of the oldest churches on Earth, fell victim to an Israeli airstrike. This heartbreaking incident claimed the lives of eighteen Palestinians, many of whom were Christians, including relatives of former congressman Justin Amash.
The church, which holds the title of being the oldest active church in Gaza and the third oldest in the world, had previously been falsely rumored to have been hit during the early days of the war in Gaza. However, it was only on Thursday that church authorities confirmed the strike, a fact later corroborated by footage and Israeli authorities themselves. Tragically, the church compound was serving as a shelter for hundreds of people when an adjacent building was destroyed by the airstrike.
Former Michigan Rep. Justin Amash, who has Palestinian Christian heritage, expressed his grief over the loss of his relatives in a heartfelt post on social media. He called attention to the immense suffering endured by the Palestinian Christian community and extended his prayers to all those affected by the conflict, regardless of their religious or ethnic background.
Church Compound Damaged, IDF Denies Targeting the Church
The church complex, consisting of a chapel, seven buildings, and a courtyard, suffered significant damage. However, the church itself sustained only minor harm. The destroyed building, initially an administrative structure, had transformed into a refuge for displaced families, with an estimated 150 people seeking shelter inside at the time of the strike.
While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged that the damage resulted from an Israeli airstrike, they vehemently denied intentionally targeting the church. According to the IDF, the intended objective was a Hamas command and control center situated across the street from the church. However, the strike missed its mark, leading to the destruction of a building within the church complex.
Outrage and Mourning: Condemnation of a War Crime
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned the airstrike as a war crime, expressing its strongest condemnation of the Israeli attack on the church compound. The patriarchate emphasized that targeting churches and their institutions, which provide shelter for innocent civilians, particularly women and children who have lost their homes due to Israeli airstrikes, is an unforgivable act.
Undeterred by this tragedy, the patriarchate affirmed its commitment to fulfilling its religious and humanitarian duty, rooted in Christian values, to support those affected by war and peace alike.
Footage circulating online captured the somber funeral service held for the victims of the strike, a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the pain endured by the Palestinian Christian community.
Ancient Church, Endangered Community
The St. Porphyrius Church, originally constructed in 425 A.D., underwent extensive renovations by the Crusaders in the 12th century. It was named after the revered former bishop of Gaza, who holds a special place in the hearts of Gazan Christians.
While the majority of Christian Palestinians reside in the West Bank, Gaza is home to a small population of approximately 1,000 Christians. Sadly, this airstrike marks the second major blow suffered by the dwindling community, following the tragic incident at the al Ahli Baptist Hospital, which claimed the lives of hundreds.
Palestinian Christians, one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, have faced significant challenges and a drastic decline in numbers since the turmoil surrounding Israel’s independence in 1948.
In what ways do deliberate attacks on religious sites perpetuate the cycle of violence and deepen divisions between different communities in conflict zones
To an IDF spokesperson, “The IDF targeted a Hamas military structure located adjacent to the St. Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church, in order to neutralize a threat to Israeli civilians. The tragic loss of life and damage to the church compound is deeply regrettable, and we are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.”
International Outrage and Calls for Justice
The airstrike on the oldest church in Gaza has sparked international outrage and condemnation. Various human rights organizations, religious leaders, and politicians have expressed their condolences for the lives lost and demanded a transparent investigation into the incident.
The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, called the incident deeply concerning and called on all parties to respect the sanctity of religious sites and prevent attacks on civilian infrastructure.
The Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church also issued a statement condemning the airstrike and calling on the international community to take action to ensure the protection of religious sites and the safety of civilians in conflict areas.
Additionally, many Palestinian Christians and their supporters have protested against the targeting of Christian sites and the plight of the Palestinian Christian community in the ongoing conflict. They argue that these attacks not only result in the loss of innocent lives but also aim to erase the presence of Palestinian Christians from their historic homeland.
The Ongoing Conflict and its Impact on Religious Communities
This tragic incident is just one example of the devastating consequences of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. It highlights the vulnerability of religious communities and the urgent need for the international community to actively work towards finding a peaceful resolution and protecting the rights of all individuals regardless of their religious or ethnic background.
Religious sites should be treated as sacred spaces where people find solace, peace, and connect with their spirituality. Deliberately targeting such sites is not only a violation of international humanitarian law, but it also deepens the divides between different communities and perpetuates the cycle of violence.
The Way Forward
It is imperative for all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilians, religious sites, and infrastructure in conflict areas. The international community must intensify efforts to bring about a lasting and just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals.
In the face of tragedy, it is crucial for people of all faiths and backgrounds to come together, condemn violence, and promote understanding and dialogue. Only through unity and compassion can we hope to build a world where religious sites are respected, and peace prevails for all.
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