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Last churches in Gaza say their clergy and nuns refuse to evacuate Gaza City

The Latin and Greek Orthodox Patriarchates of Jerusalem have denounced Israel’s evacuation orders in Gaza City as “a death sentence,” warning that civilians, including Christians, the elderly, and people with disabilities, are being forced to choose between staying under bombardment or fleeing into dangerous conditions in the south.

In their 26 August joint message, Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III said their Gaza City compounds, St. Porphyrius and the Holy Family, have become “a refuge for hundreds of civilians.”

They stated plainly that they will not leave: “The clergy and nuns have decided to remain and continue to care for all those who will be in the compounds.”

The patriarchates condemned the planned Israeli assault, saying that “there can be no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians, or revenge,” and echoed Pope Leo XIV’s call that “all peoples, even the smallest and weakest, must be respected … especially the right to live in their own lands; and no one can force them into exile.”