Church Leaders Reject Forced Displacement, Pledge To Remain In Gaza With Flock

Clergy and nuns from two churches in Gaza City have vowed to remain with hundreds of displaced civilians sheltering in their compounds, despite an expected Israeli military assault to seize control of the city, church leaders said Tuesday.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said in a joint statement that the two churches – St. Porphyrius Orthodox compound and the Holy Family compound – have served as sanctuaries since the war between Israel and Hamas began.

“Among them are elderly people, women and children,” the statement said.“Many of those who sought refuge behind the church walls are weakened and suffering from malnutrition after the hardships of recent months.”

The church leaders added:“Leaving Gaza City and attempting to flee south is nothing short of a death sentence. Therefore, the clergy and nuns have decided to remain and continue caring for all those inside the compounds.”

Earlier this month, Israel's security cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal to impose Israeli control over Gaza, beginning with a ground offensive in Gaza City. Under the takeover plan, residents were ordered to evacuate by 7 October 2025.

The Patriarchate stressed:“There is no future built on the captivity, displacement or revenge against Palestinians. This is not the right path. There is no justification for the deliberate and forcible mass displacement of civilians.”

The church also reiterated its call for the release of Israeli hostages.

Last month, three people were killed and at least nine others wounded in an Israeli airstrike on the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, which was also sheltering displaced families.

According to the Catholic charity Caritas Jerusalem, the dead included Saad Salameh, a 60-year-old parish custodian; Femia Ayad, 84, who had been receiving psychosocial support in a Caritas tent inside the church compound; and Najwa Abu Dawoud, 69, who was nearby. Among the wounded was Father Gabriel Romanelli, Gaza's parish priest.

Pope Leo XIV and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned the attack on the holy site.

An internal Israeli military probe described the strike as“errant fire,” while Netanyahu called it a“mistake.”

MENAFN26082025000205011050ID1109979173