In a powerful act of solidarity and defiance, the Orthodox and Catholic Patriarchs of Jerusalem have announced that their clergy and religious sisters will remain in Gaza to support the Christian community and all vulnerable people, despite Israeli orders to evacuate. The leaders condemned the forced displacement of civilians, stating that for many, leaving their homes would be a “death sentence.”

In a joint statement, the Latin and Greek Orthodox Patriarchates of Jerusalem expressed their grave concern over the escalating military offensive in Gaza City and the directive for hundreds of thousands of residents to relocate. They emphasized the dire humanitarian situation for those who have sought refuge in church compounds, many of whom are “weakened and malnourished due to the hardships of the last months.”

“Leaving Gaza City and trying to flee to the south would be nothing less than a death sentence,” the statement declared. “For this reason, the clergy and nuns have decided to remain and continue to care for all those who will be in the compounds.”

The church compounds, including the Greek Orthodox Saint Porphyrius Church and the Catholic Holy Family Parish, have become sanctuaries for hundreds of civilians, including the elderly, women, children, and people with disabilities under the care of the Missionaries of Charity sisters.

The Patriarchs decried the ongoing violence and called for an immediate and sustained ceasefire. “There can be no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians or revenge,” they asserted, urging the international community to act decisively to end the “senseless and destructive war.”

The Christian leaders reiterated their call for the protection of all civilians and the safeguarding of sacred and humanitarian sites. Their unwavering commitment to stay with their flock in Gaza serves as a profound testament to their pastoral duty and a powerful appeal for peace and justice in the Holy Land.

“In the path of righteousness there is life, and in its pathway there is no death.” Proverbs 12:28
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