Greek Orthodox, Catholic churches say staff will not evacuate Gaza City

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem have announced that their staff will not evacuate Gaza City ahead of the Israeli government’s announced decision to take control of the enclave, where hundreds of thousands of civilians live.

In a joint statement, the Patriarchates said that the Greek Orthodox compound of Saint Porphyrius and the Holy Family Church compound have been a refuge for hundreds of civilians since the outbreak of war in October 2023, among them elderly people, women, and children, as well as disabled Gazans.

“Among those who have sought shelter within the walls of the compounds, many 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. For this reason, the clergy and nuns have decided to remain and continue to care for all those who will be in the compounds,” they said.

They also criticized Israel’s announced offensive, saying “there can be no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians or revenge.”

“We echo what Pope Leo XIV said a few days ago: ‘All peoples, even the smallest and weakest, must be respected by the powerful in their identity and rights, especially the right to live in their own lands; and no one can force them into exile.’ This is not the right way. There is no reason to justify the deliberate and forcible mass displacement of civilians,” they added. 

“It is time to end this spiral of violence, to put an end to war and to prioritize the common good of the people. There has been enough devastation, in the territories and in people’s lives. There is no reason to justify keeping civilians as prisoners and hostages in dramatic conditions. It is now time for the healing of the long-suffering families on all sides.” 

The two Patriarchates also called on the international community to act for an end of this war, and for the return of the missing people and the Israeli hostages.

Kathimerini