Israeli forces bombed the Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza today, Thursday, which was built about 1600 years ago, according to reports from Palestinian activists on social media. The Palestinian news agency (Wafa) reported that significant material damage occurred in parts of the structure, and a nearby building was destroyed, resulting in dozens injured and killed. The Ministry of Interior in Gaza stated that a church building collapsed due to the bombing, and witnesses reported that there are at least 400 displaced people who sought refuge in the church in recent days.
The Church of Saint Porphyrius is an Eastern Orthodox church located in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, and it is the oldest church in the city, named after Saint Porphyrius, who is buried in the northeastern corner of the church.
The original construction of the Church of Saint Porphyrius dates back to 425 AD on top of a previous pagan wooden temple. The modern building was constructed by the Crusaders in the 1150s or 1160s and was dedicated to Saint Porphyrius. Records from the 15th century indicate that the consecration of the church also served as a testimony to the Virgin Mary. The church was restored in 1856.
It is noteworthy that a large number of displaced individuals took refuge in the church, believing it to be a site that would remain safe from targeting due to its sanctity and historical significance.
