Jerusalem Church condemns Israel's shelling of an Orthodox centre in Gaza
Consequences of Israel's strike on the Orthodox Center in Gaza. Photo: the Jerusalem Patriarchate website
The Jerusalem Patriarchate condemned the Israeli shelling of the Orthodox Cultural Centre in the Tel Al-Hawa area of the Gaza Strip, reports the Patriarchate's press service.
The statement says that the shelling of Gaza is "a stark embodiment of Israel’s unwarranted determination to destroy the civil infrastructure and social service centres, as well as shelters for civilians trapped in the besieged enclave". The Patriarchate highlights that social, cultural, and sports centres have become vital providers of essential humanitarian services and safe havens for those affected by Israeli airstrikes targeting residential areas.
The Patriarchate noted that the Israeli military "has targeted 19 places of worship, including mosques and churches, in Gaza during the past three weeks of the devastating conflict."
"Such attacks on civilians, particularly children, and the deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure, cannot be justified on rational or humanitarian grounds and are fundamentally at odds with even the most basic moral values.," says the Jerusalem Patriarchate.
The Patriarchate reiterates its firm demand for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and pledges to continue its international efforts to achieve this goal as soon as possible.
As reported, the Jerusalem Patriarchate called the strike on the temple in Gaza a war crime.
Read also
Primate of Macedonian Church Marks 60th Anniversary of Ohio Parish
Visit to Columbus parish was part of His Beatitude Abp. Stefan's wider U.S. and Canada pastoral tour.
OCA and Macedonian Church Celebrate Historic Liturgy in Washington
Metropolitan Tikhon and Archbishop Stefan concelebrate at St. Nicholas Cathedral, sealing new ties between sister Churches.
Metropolitan Arseniy Faces New Court Hearing, Monks of the Lavra Call for Prayers
On September 4, 2025, the Dnipro Court of Appeal will review the decision to extend the detention of the abbot of the Sviatogorsk Lavra.
Abp. Damianos Criticizes Jerusalem, Moscow Patriarchates in Scathing Resignation Letter
The abbot of St. Catherine's Monastery at Mount Sinai stated his wish to find a successor as soon as possible.
Abbot of Sinai Monastery Announces Resignation
In his address, the archbishop linked his departure to the need for succession and unity of the brotherhood in the face of “existential challenges.”
Tests with Relics Conducted at the Lavra, Says Ministry of Culture
The Ministry of Culture stated that the “tests” on relics were carried out as part of the work of a Ministry commission established in March 2025.