Jerusalem/PNN /

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem has expressed its strongest condemnation of an Israeli airstrike on its church compound in Gaza City last night, stressing its commitment to its humanitarian duty to shelter civilians regardless of the Israeli war crime.

The Patriarchate said in a press statement that “targeting churches and their institutions, along with the shelters they provide to protect innocent citizens, especially children and women who have lost their homes due to Israeli airstrikes on residential areas over the past thirteen days, constitutes a war crime that cannot be ignored.”

“Despite the evident targeting of the facilities and shelters of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and other churches – including the Episcopal Church of Jerusalem Hospital, other schools, and social institutions – the Patriarchate, along with the other churches, remains committed to fulfilling its religious and moral duty in providing assistance, support, and refuge to those in need amidst continuous Israeli demands to evacuate these institutions of civilians and the pressures exerted on the churches in this regard,” the statement added.

The Patriarchate stressed that “it will not abandon its religious and humanitarian duty, rooted in its Christian values, to provide all that is necessary in times of war and peace alike.”

At least two women were killed and scores of others injured in the Israeli attack on Thursday night on the Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza.