ROME: Catholic and Greek Orthodox priests and nuns will remain in Gaza City despite Israel’s plan for a military takeover, the religious communities said in a joint statement on Tuesday.
“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,” the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem said.
“We do not know exactly what will happen on the ground, not only for our community, but for the entire population,” they said.
Hundreds of displaced people have sheltered since the outbreak of the war in the Greek Orthodox compound of Saint Porphyrius and the Catholic Holy Family compound, including children and those with special needs.
Stray Israeli fire hit the Holy Family church in July, killing three and wounding 10 others, including the parish priest.
