No, Israel did not bomb the Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza
The Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza City has been at the centre of a recent controversy, with claims circulating on social media that it was destroyed by Israeli airstrikes. However, a careful examination of the available information reveals that these claims are unfounded.
What's going on
The backdrop for this controversy is the Israel-Palestine conflict, which escalated with a surprise attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. On October 7, Hamas launched a barrage of 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory.
In response, Israel initiated a series of retaliatory airstrikes on Gaza.
The controversy unfolded as Israel launched its counteroffensive in Gaza in response to the Hamas attack. The Israeli government formally declared war on Hamas, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to defend Israeli territory and citizens against the threat posed by the militant group.
Amid this conflict, a self-described investigative journalist named Sulaiman Ahmed posted on X (formerly known on Twitter) that the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius had been bombed and destroyed by Israeli forces.
- The church is of significant historical importance, believed to have been dedicated in the 12th century, making it one of the oldest churches globally.
- Ahmed's post quickly gained attention, garnering more than 1 million views within three hours of being posted.
BREAKING: ISRAEL BOMBS AND DESTROYS THE LARGEST CHURCH IN PALESTINE
— Sulaiman Ahmed (@ShaykhSulaiman) October 9, 2023
Israel has bombed the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza.
The church is the THIRD OLDEST CHRISTIAN temple in the WORLD.
The irony lies in Christian Zionists supporting the destruction of their… pic.twitter.com/8GoObx9xeO
However, the Church of Saint Porphyrius responded to these allegations on Facebook. In a series of statements, the church denied the claims of its destruction, stating that it was in the "best condition" and that the news circulating on social media was nothing more than rumours.
The church confirmed it has remained untouched and they are taking in Palestinian refugees who need help. pic.twitter.com/faFyl191n0
— Sulaiman Ahmed (@ShaykhSulaiman) October 9, 2023
The church also noted that it was taking in Palestinian refugees, further dispelling the notion that it had been destroyed.
Ahmed later conceded that his initial claim was inaccurate, admitting on the same platform that "the church confirmed it has remained untouched".
However...
The recent Israeli airstrikes and bombings in the Gaza Strip have caused significant damage and casualties in various locations. According to the Israeli military, over 200 locations in Gaza were targeted during these attacks.
Most notably, a strike occurred in the Rimal neighbourhood in Gaza City, where an 11-storey building was bombed. This building was in the Al-Nasr neighbourhood in the west of Gaza City. Israel said that this strike was a response to the unprecedented attack launched by Hamas into Israel.
Hours before Israel began bombing Gaza, the Israeli government urged civilians to leave Gaza.
This morning, on Shabbat and a holiday, Hamas invaded Israeli territory and murdered innocent citizens including children and the elderly. Hamas has started a brutal and evil war.
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 8, 2023
We will be victorious in this war despite an unbearable price. This is a very difficult day for all…
Israeli air attacks also hit densely populated areas such as the Jabalia refugee camp in the Gaza Strip. Initial reports suggest a large number of casualties in these areas.
Furthermore, the Israeli military claimed to have targeted specific sites, including a weapons storage site inside a mosque and an apartment used by Hamas's anti-tank guided missile forces.
The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that one of the attacks hit a market area, resulting in casualties and heavy destruction. The Gaza-based Ministry of Health also confirmed that the attacks had caused numerous casualties, with rescue workers trying to extract people from the rubble.
In addition to the civilian areas, a school run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) was hit during these attacks, adding to the humanitarian concerns. Reports from Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City indicated that dozens of casualties, including children, had been brought in for treatment.
The attacks on the Jabalia refugee camp and the Shati refugee camp, also known as Beach Camp, highlight the widespread impact of the Israeli airstrikes and bombings on civilian populations in the Gaza Strip. The situation remains fluid and continues to evolve, with both the Israeli government and Hamas threatening each other of severe consequences.