Clergy and Christian families remain in Gaza Church compounds as Israeli offensive escalates
Caroline MolloyChristian clergy and nuns said Aug. 26 they will remain inside church compounds in Gaza City despite a major Israeli offensive advancing into the area, even as thousands of other residents flee westward toward the coast.
In statements from the Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates’ leaders reported by the Times of Israel, priests, nuns, and lay families are sheltering in the compounds of Saint Porphyrius (Orthodox) and Holy Family Church (Catholic). They stressed their refusal to evacuate, citing responsibility for the elderly, disabled, women, and children who are unable to move.
“Displacement, captivity and vengeance are not the future,” they stated, calling for an immediate end to the war and the return of hostages.
The decision comes as Israeli forces intensify operations in Gaza City. Overnight strikes hit the outskirts of the city, prompting thousands of Palestinian families to leave their homes and move westward, the Jerusalem Post reported. The United Nations estimates that half of Gaza’s population is concentrated in Gaza City, raising concerns of a deepening humanitarian crisis as fighting expands.
Christian leaders noted the risks of staying after a July strike – attributed by the Israeli military to a misfire – killed three people and wounded others at the Holy Family compound. Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa of the Latin Church and Patriarch Theophilos III of the Greek Orthodox Church visited Gaza in the aftermath to assess damage and offer support.
