Clergy in Gaza Refuse to Leave Despite Israeli Evacuation Orders
In Gaza City, clergy and nuns from both the Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches have openly refused evacuation orders, choosing instead to stay behind and care for those who cannot flee. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued a joint statement saying that many civilians sheltered in church compounds are frail, malnourished, or disabled, and moving them south would likely mean certain death.
The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Porphyrius received a direct evacuation order because it is located in a designated red zone, where the Israeli military is intensifying its operations to take control of Gaza City. Meanwhile, the Holy Family Catholic Church, although still at risk, has not been officially ordered to evacuate yet remains deeply exposed amid the conflict. Both sites have sheltered hundreds of civilians since the conflict began in late 2023.
The Latin and Orthodox church leaders have denounced the forced movement of citizens and continued to operate their facilities as sanctuaries. They emphasized that the war's civilian toll should not be ignored, and that displacement and violence do not lead to lasting peace. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa later described his visit to Gaza as heartbreaking, citing dire shortages of food, water, and medicine, and echoed calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian relief.
This is more than a physical stand—it’s a moral and humanitarian one. The clergy's decision challenges us to consider the limits of authority and the responsibility to protect the most vulnerable. As the conflict continues, their choice highlights a belief that places of faith can serve not just as shelters but as beacons of humanity amid warfare.
The Times – Pope Leo criticizes Israeli plans for ‘forced’ evacuation of Gaza
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/pope-leo-gaza-idf-chgw7gxs8?utm
AP News – Pope demands end to ‘collective punishment’ and forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza
https://apnews.com/article/0b1c1d5eb2c8d257248638ff231e9c2f?utm
The Guardian – Ten Palestinians have died from starvation in last 24 hours, says Gaza health ministry
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