Gaza City - Construction workers in the Gaza Strip have discovered the ruins of what appears to be an ancient church, dating back to the Byzantine era. The church was found during the excavation of a new housing complex in the northern Gaza Strip, near the town of Beit Lahia.

The ruins include a large rectangular structure with a nave, two side aisles, and an apse at the eastern end. The walls of the church are decorated with intricate carvings, and there are also remains of a mosaic floor.

The church is believed to have been built in the 6th century AD, during the reign of the Byzantine emperor Justinian. It was likely destroyed by an earthquake in the 7th century AD.

The discovery of the church is a significant archaeological find. It provides new evidence for the existence of Christianity in the Gaza Strip during the Byzantine era. It also highlights the rich cultural heritage of the Gaza Strip, which has been the site of many civilizations throughout history.

The Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is currently working to preserve the church ruins and to develop them into a tourist attraction. The ministry is also planning to conduct further excavations in the area to learn more about the history of the church and the Byzantine era in the Gaza Strip.