Greek Orthodox Archbishop Theodosios Atallah Hanna speaks to residents of the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, al-Quds, Friday, May 15, 2021 (AP)

Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Sebastia in occupied al-Quds Atallah Hanna told Al Mayadeen that "bombing the church is a new massacre committed by the occupation" and serves as a new attack against Christian heritage.

"The occupation is targeting the Christian presence in Gaza and even in all of Palestine, where Christians are an essential component," the Archbishop added.

He urgently called on His Holiness the Pope and church leaders worldwide to raise their voices and not be content with prayers, stating that "religious authorities should have a clear and explicit stance in support of the people of Gaza who are being targeted."

"His Holiness the Pope and all religious leaders in the world should immediately take action in support of Palestine and the people of Gaza," the Archbishop added, stressing that prayers and candlelight vigils for Palestine are not enough as they should be accompanied by clear stances.

Targeting the Greek Orthodox Church in #Gaza is a new massacre committed by the Israeli occupation. We demand the end of the systemic criminality targeting the steadfast city of Gaza, while the #West stands in solidarity with "Israel", rendering it complicit in these crimes.
-… https://t.co/yVJp8qBZZK
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 20, 2023

He slammed the West for its support of the systematic Israeli crimes in Gaza, affirming that it is complicit in these crimes.

Archbishop Hanna appealed to "every free person in the world and all Arabs to act to stop this aggression today, not tomorrow."

He also said that "what is happening in Gaza cannot be summarized in the word 'war,' but it is a real catastrophe," considering that "Israel applying the scorched-earth policy on Gaza."

What is happening in #Gaza can not be summed up by the term "war". They are applying the scorched-earth policy on Gaza; we are witnessing a real catastrophe.
- #Palestinian Greek Orthodox Archbishop, Atallah Hanna#PalestineGenocide #GazaGenocide #Palestine #GazaUnderAttack https://t.co/frWs2EabLC
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 20, 2023

"The occupation violates international principles and laws, not only in Gaza but also in the West Bank and occupied al-Quds."

"The Palestinians are more united today than ever before in facing this aggression, and there is an increase in awareness among all people worldwide, regardless of the stances of their governments," the Archbishop of Sebastia in occupied al-Quds emphasized in his statements.

Hanna added the occupation has arrested several Palestinian youths just because they have expressed support for Gaza in online posts, explaining that "the occupation and the West target social media sites that support Palestine, and efforts must be made to convey the true image of Palestine."

Prominent figures are resigning from their posts in light of the Israeli aggression on the #Gaza Strip.#Palestine #GazaUnderAttack #GazaGenocide #France #UK pic.twitter.com/C4uinxoaBv
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 20, 2023

Additionally, in an interview for Al Mayadeen Net, Archbishop Atallah Hanna described what's happening in Gaza as being a new Nakba, referring to the expulsion of Palestinians back in 1948.

"What is happening in Gaza is a new Nakba and a policy of ethnic cleansing, targeting innocent people, bombing homes, hospitals, and places of worship, and killing the innocent in cold blood, not to mention the destruction and devastation that has befallen the beloved Gaza Strip," he said.

"From here, from Al-Quds, I send a heartfelt appeal to all religious, human rights, and humanitarian authorities and every person with ethics and values to urgently take action to stop this aggression," he appealed.

"Enough destruction, enough bloodshed, enough devastation. Let the aggression cease, let the blood be spared, and let the devastation stop."

In a related context, the head of the Government Media Office in Gaza, Salama Maarouf, told Al Mayadeen that an Israeli occupation aircraft committed a new crime last night by bombing the Orthodox Church. He called on the churches of the world to take a clear stance on this crime and for everyone to come together to speak the truth and expose the nature of the occupation's targets.

Maarouf emphasized that this crime, once again, proves that the occupation disregards international humanitarian law and does not set red lines for itself in targeting civilians. He noted that the church was hosting dozens of Palestinian families, both Christians and Muslims, after the occupation intensified its shelling of homes.

On Thursday, the Ministry of Interior in Gaza announced that the Israeli occupation committed a new massacre, killing and wounding hundreds of displaced people inside the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Porphyrius in Gaza City.

According to the Ministry, the occupation made a direct target at the ancient church building on Omar al-Mukhtar Street in the Gaza Strip.

The Ministry pointed out that the church housed dozens of displaced people, who were taking shelter inside the church, most of whom were women and children.

Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that several injured people were taken to the hospital.

The Ministry stated that severe material damage was caused to parts of the church building and that a building adjacent to the church was destroyed. It is worth noting that the Church of St. Porphyrius is considered the third oldest church in the world. The original building dates back to 425 AD and it was renovated in 1856.