The Orthodox Cultural Centre in Gaza was completely destroyed by an Israeli airstrike on the Tel Al-Hawa region on Tuesday, October 31.
According to Anadolu, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem strongly condemned the attack on the Orthodox Cultural Centre, saying it was a clear sign of Israel’s determination to destroy civilian infrastructure and shelters for those trapped in the enclave.
“Such attacks on civilians, particularly children, cannot be justified on rational or humanitarian grounds,” the Patriarchate said.
In response to the attack, the Israeli government has imposed a blockade on the Gaza Strip, cutting off fuel, electricity, and water, and reducing aid deliveries, MEMO reported.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, rejected growing calls for a cease-fire by the Patriarchate and world leaders, saying it would be a “surrender” to Hamas.