Guterres Deplores Deadly Strike on Gaza Church, Urges Protection for Civilians
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed his profound dismay and deplored the devastating strike on a church in Gaza, which resulted in significant loss of life and injuries among innocent civilians. The incident, which occurred on July 17, 2025, at the Church of Saint Porphyrius, has drawn widespread condemnation and underscored the urgent need for greater protection for civilian infrastructure and populations caught in the ongoing conflict.
The Secretary-General’s office issued a statement on the same day, July 17, 2025, emphasizing that places of worship, hospitals, and other civilian facilities must be respected and protected, in accordance with international humanitarian law. The attack on the Church of Saint Porphyrius, a historic landmark and a place of refuge for many, has highlighted the severe humanitarian consequences of the escalating violence.
Details emerging from the scene indicate that the church, which was reportedly sheltering a large number of displaced families seeking safety, sustained direct damage. Early reports confirm that a number of people were killed and many more injured in the incident. The exact number of casualties is still being assessed, but the scale of the destruction suggests a tragic loss of life, including women and children.
Mr. Guterres reiterated his steadfast commitment to the principles of international law and the imperative for all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations to protect civilians. He stressed that the targeting of civilian areas, especially those providing sanctuary to vulnerable populations, is unacceptable and must be investigated thoroughly.
The United Nations, through its various agencies operating in the region, is working to ascertain the full extent of the damage and to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected. Efforts are underway to support the injured and to assist in the recovery and identification of the deceased.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a de-escalation of hostilities and a renewed push for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The Secretary-General continues to call for an immediate ceasefire and for unimpeded humanitarian access to ensure that life-saving aid can reach all those in need across Gaza. He urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians above all else. The international community’s focus remains on alleviating the immense suffering of the Palestinian people and ensuring accountability for violations of international law.
Guterres deplores Israeli strike on Gaza church
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