The Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza has been the site of a harrowing tragedy, as it collapsed following Israeli bombardment, resulting in numerous casualties. Archbishop Alexios of Tiberias, a hierarch of the Jerusalem Orthodox Church, made this devastating announcement to the Greek television channel ERT-1.

"They struck the offices and the entrance of the Monastery of Saint Porphyrius. They targeted them with a rocket, and the entire building collapsed. Many Christians were inside, many of whom were injured, and we also have fatalities," revealed the archbishop, who was in the church when the bombardment occurred in the Gaza sector.

"We need bulldozers to be brought here so that we can assess the number of people buried under the rubble," said a priest, noting that over 400 individuals were present in the monastery and church at the time.

Earlier reports from Greek media indicated that the Monastery of Saint Porphyrius came under bombardment on the evening of October 19th. Trapped under the rubble might be dozens of individuals, primarily parishioners seeking refuge from aerial attacks within the historic Saint Porphyrius Church, as well as displaced persons from the northern and southern areas of Gaza.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dozens of people have suffered injuries of varying severity due to the shelling of the monastery. Significant damage has been inflicted on the church building, and a nearby structure was destroyed. Responsibility for the strike has been attributed to the Israeli Defense Forces, as reported by TASS.

The Monastery of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza had served as a refuge for peaceful inhabitants over the past two weeks. The relief efforts were organized by Archbishop Alexios of Tiberias, an assistant to Patriarch Theophilos for the Gaza sector. He has publicly declared that he will not leave the Gaza sector as long as even one Christian remains within its boundaries.