There is a circulating rumor that Israel bombed and destroyed the oldest church in Gaza.

Multiple accounts spread this piece of information on social media.

Examples:

https://twitter.com/ShaykhSulaiman/status/1711430095963853072

https://twitter.com/Partisangirl/status/1711429950950240628

“The Church of Saint Porphyrius or St. Porphyrius Church is a Greek Orthodox Christian church in Gaza City, State of Palestine, and the oldest active church in the city. Located in the Zaytun Quarter of the Old City of Gaza, it is named after the 5th century bishop of Gaza, Saint Porphyrius, whose tomb is situated in the northeastern corner of the church,” according to Wikipedia.

A church was built on the site as early as 425 AD.

“The Christian community here goes back to 395 AD when it was part of the Eastern Roman Empire,” Greek City Times writes.

“Construction of the current church was undertaken by the Crusaders in the 1150s or 1160s,” Wikipedia states.

The rumor of Israel bombing the church is FALSE.

“Dear beloveds in Christ. We would like to inform you that Saint Porphyrios Church in Gaza is untouched and operating in service of the community and our congregation. The news circulating about it being damaged are false. We appreciate your concern for the safety of our church and people and request your prayers for us. Saint Porphyrios Church,” the church wrote on its Facebook page.

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Via Facebook:

Our beloved brothers in the Lord, we inform you that the church of St. Porferius in Gaza is in the best condition

And the news you spread is nothing more than rumors

We thank all of you who asked and cared

And we ask you to pray for us

Greek City Times reports:

The Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza was not bombed as initially reported by Palestinian sources.

Despite rumours, the Facebook page for Saint Porphyrius Orthodox Church has denied that it was destroyed today in a bombing by Israel.

This church, formally under the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, is the oldest Cathedral of Gaza and the third oldest in the whole world. The Christian community here goes back to 395 AD when it was part of the Eastern Roman Empire.

The Church of Saint Porphyrius or St. Porphyrius Church (Greek: Εκκλησία του Αγίου Πορφυρίου) is a Greek Orthodox Christian church located in the Zaytun Quarter of the Old City of Gaza and is named after the 5th-century bishop of Gaza, Saint Porphyrius, whose tomb is situated in the northeastern corner of the church.

Elsewhere, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for Hamas to cease its attacks and release hostages.

In remarks on Monday, he also urged all parties to allow UN access to deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinians trapped in the Gaza Strip.

Guterres reiterated that only negotiated peace and “the long-held vision of a two-State solution,” can bring stability to the region.

The secretary-general condemned the “abhorrent attacks by Hamas and others against Israeli towns and villages in the Gaza periphery.”

Guterres said that while he recognized “the legitimate grievances of the Palestinian people,” nothing can justify acts of terror, maiming, killing and the abduction of civilians.

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