‘Leaving is a death sentence’: Gaza City churches vow to remain open
Source: Haaretz latest headlines
The clergy and nuns from two churches in Gaza City have decided to remain and care for all those sheltering in their compounds ahead of the IDF offensive to capture and occupy the city, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem announced on Tuesday.
The churches – the Greek Orthodox compound of Saint Porphyrius and the Holy Family compound – have served as a refuge for hundreds of civilians since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war, the church leadership said.
“Among them are elderly people, women, and children. Many of those who have sought shelter within the walls of the compounds are weakened and malnourished due to the hardships of recent months.”
“Leaving Gaza City and trying to flee to the south would be nothing less than a death sentence,” the statement added. “For this reason, the clergy and nuns have decided to remain and continue to care for all those who will be in the compounds.”
Earlier this month, Israel’s security cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to enact Israeli control over the Gaza Strip, beginning with an invasion of Gaza City. According to the takeover plan, the city’s residents will be ordered to evacuate by October 7, 2025.
The Patriarchates reiterated: “There can be no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians, or revenge. This is not the right way. There is no justification for the deliberate and forcible mass displacement of civilians,” and further called for the release of the Israeli hostages.
Last month, three people were killed and at least nine others wounded in an IDF strike on the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, which was also sheltering displaced persons.
According to the Catholic charity Caritas Jerusalem, the victims included the parish’s 60-year-old janitor, Saad Salameh; an 84-year-old woman, Fumayya Ayyad, who was receiving psychosocial support inside a Caritas tent in the church compound; and 69-year-old Najwa Abu Daoud, who had been sitting nearby.
Among the wounded was Father Gabriel Romanelli, the priest of the Catholic community in the city.
Pope Leo XIV and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned the targeting of the sacred site. An IDF investigation described the strike as stray fire while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a “mistake.”
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