Supreme President Savas C. Tsivicos has issued the following statement:

“Based upon current news reporting, we strongly condemn the Israeli airstrike that hit the campus of the historic Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza that claimed 17 lives, according to church officials. The airstrike has been confirmed by the Israeli military, according to the reporting. We await a statement from the IDF as it reviews the incident.

“We reaffirm our strong condemnation of Hamas’ terrorist attack and assault upon Israel and its people. We reiterate Israel’s right to self-defense and call for hostages to be released.

“We mourn the loss of all innocent lives and denounce the destruction of religious, cultural, or humanitarian sites. Ahepans pray for peace and will always stand for justice and against terrorism, extremism, and hatred.”