🇻🇦🇬🇷🇵🇸❌🇮🇱 Orthodox and Latin Jerusalem Patriarchates warn of imminent Gaza City offensive, vow to remain with civilians

The Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued a joint statement yesterday expressing grave concern over Israel’s announced plans to take control of Gaza City, warning that mass evacuations and military preparations signal an imminent offensive. They report that evacuation orders have already been issued for several neighborhoods in Gaza City, accompanied by heavy bombardment causing further destruction and death.

The Patriarchates emphasize that their compounds—the Orthodox compound of St. Porphyrius and the Holy Family compound—have sheltered hundreds of civilians since the war’s outbreak, including elderly people, women, children, and people with disabilities cared for by the Sisters Missionaries of Charity. “Leaving Gaza City and trying to flee to the south would be nothing less than a death sentence,” the statement declares, explaining why clergy and nuns have decided to remain and continue caring for those seeking refuge.

The Patriarchates call for an immediate end to the violence, stating “There is no reason to justify the deliberate and forcible mass displacement of civilians.” They appeal to the international community to act to end what they termed a “senseless and destructive war,” while also calling for the return of missing people and Israeli hostages. The statement concludes with a prayer for conversion of hearts, “so that we may walk in the paths of justice and life, for Gaza and for the whole Holy Land.”

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