JERUSALEM, August 26, 2025 (WAFA) – The Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem cautioned on Tuesday against the deliberate and forcible mass displacement of civilians from Gaza City.
They said in a press statement that a few weeks ago, the Israeli government announced its decision to take control of Gaza City. In recent days, the media have repeatedly reported a massive military mobilization and preparations for an imminent offensive. The same reports indicate that the population of Gaza City, where hundreds of thousands of civilians, including Christians live, is to be evacuated and relocated to the south of the Strip. At the time of this statement, evacuation orders were already in place for several neighborhoods in Gaza City. Reports of heavy bombardment continue to be received.
“It seems that the Israeli government’s announcement that “the gates of hell will open” is indeed taking on tragic forms. The experience of past campaigns in Gaza, the declared intentions of the Israeli government with regard to the current operation, and the reports now reaching us from the ground, show that the operation is not just a threat, but a reality that is already in the process of being implemented,” they said.
They noted that since the outbreak of the Israeli genocidal aggression, the Greek Orthodox compound of Saint Porphyrius and the Holy Family compound have been a refuge for hundreds of civilians. Among them are elderly people, women, and children. The Latin compound is hosting people with disabilities, who are under the care of the Sisters Missionaries of Charity, since many years.
“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 reiterated that “There can be no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians or revenge,” echoing 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.”
The Patriarchates affirmed that “There is no reason to justify the deliberate and forcible mass displacement of civilians.”
“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,” they added.
They appealed to the international community to “act for an end of this senseless and destructive war, and for the return of the missing people and the Israeli hostages.”
K.F.
