The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem denounced the occupation's bombing of one of its church buildings in Gaza City, late on Thursday night, October 19, 2023. The Hamas movement also condemned the bombing and demanded a strong stance and condemnation from the international community of the occupation's crimes.

The Ministry of Interior in the Gaza Strip announced the death and injury of civilians as a result of a "new massacre" committed by Israeli forces against hundreds of displaced people inside the Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza City.

While the church said in a statement: “The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem denounces, in the strongest terms, the Israeli bombing that targeted one of its church buildings in Gaza City.”

It added: "Targeting churches and their affiliated institutions, in addition to the shelters they provide to protect innocent citizens, especially children and women who lost their homes as a result of the Israeli bombing of residential areas during the past thirteen days, constitutes a war crime that cannot be ignored."

And continued: “Despite the clear exposure to the facilities and shelters of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and other churches, the Baptist Hospital, schools and other social institutions, they, along with the rest of the churches, are determined to continue performing their religious and moral duty to provide assistance, support and shelter to people who need it, even amid continuous demands from the side.” "Israel's decision to evacuate civilians from these institutions, and the pressure exerted on the churches in this regard."

The Patriarchate affirmed that it will not abandon its religious and humanitarian duty derived from its Christian values to provide everything necessary in times of war and peace alike.