JERUSALEM, Tuesday, October 31, 2023 (WAFA) - The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem today condemned the Israeli military's bombardment of the Orthodox Cultural Center in the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood of Gaza City earlier today.
In a statement, the Patriarchate emphasized that this attack represents a stark embodiment of Israel's unwarranted determination to destroy the civil infrastructure and social service centers, as well as shelters for civilians trapped in the besieged enclave. It said that social, cultural, and sports centers have become vital providers of essential humanitarian services and safe havens for those affected by Israeli airstrikes targeting residential areas.
The Patriarchate further expressed that this assault on the Orthodox Cultural Center and its service facilities constitutes a direct and unjustified attack on one of the pillars of culture and social services in Gaza.
It noted with grave concern that the Israeli military has targeted 19 places of worship, including mosques and churches, in Gaza during the past three weeks of the devastating aggression. “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,” it said.
The Patriarchate reiterated its firm demand for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and pledged to continue its international efforts to achieve this goal as soon as possible.
M.K.
