A Byzantine-era church has been reopened to the public in Gaza after at least three years of restoration.

An opening ceremony was held in Jabaliya, a city in northern Gaza, marking the site’s re-opening.

Part of the 5th-century church had been destroyed by an Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip in 2014.

The restoration work was completed successfully, Ibrahim Jaber, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Antiquities in Palestine , said.

"The church with many symbolic construction in terms of archeology is one of the most significant places in the Eastern Mediterranean," Jaber told.

Nariman Hellah, a tour guide from the ministry, said that the history of the church "dates back to the year of 444" -- to the era of Emperor Theodosius II, who ruled Byzantium from the year 408 to 450.

The  Hamas organisation, which controls the Gaza strip said it is an example of the group embracing their 'Christian brothers.'