The churches have sheltered hundreds of civilians since the start of the war, including elderly people, women, and children, according to their Jerusalem leadership. Last month, three people were killed in an IDF strike on a Catholic church in Gaza City
The clergy and nuns from two churches in Gaza City have decided to remain and care for all those sheltering in their compounds ahead of the IDF offensive to capture and occupy the city, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem announced on Tuesday.
The churches – the Greek Orthodox compound of Saint Porphyrius and the Holy Family compound – have served as a refuge for hundreds of civilians since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war, the church leadership said.
"Among them are elderly people, women, and children. Many of those who have sought shelter within the walls of the compounds are weakened and malnourished due to the hardships of recent months."
"Leaving Gaza City and trying to flee to the south would be nothing less than a death sentence," the statement added. "For this reason, the clergy and nuns have decided to remain and continue to care for all those who will be in the compounds."
