Clergy and nuns refuse to leave Gaza City churches ahead of Israeli occupation plans

Clergy and nuns from Gaza City’s Greek Orthodox and Catholic churches are refusing evacuation to care for those who cannot leave ahead of the Israeli military’s planned occupation.

In a joint statement, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said that the Greek Orthodox compound of Saint Porphyrius and the Holy Family Church compound “have been a refuge for hundreds of civilians” including elderly, women, children and disabled people, since October 2023.

“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," the statement said.

“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 patriarchates said.