Patriarchates of Jerusalem: Forced evacuation of Gaza City is a ‘death sentence’

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III, leave the church after a visit to Holy Family Parish in Gaza on July 18, 2025. / Credit: Caritas Jerusalem

ACI Prensa Staff, Aug 26, 2025 / 16:27 pm (CNA).

In a joint message released Aug. 26, the Latin and the Greek Orthodox Patriarchates of Jerusalem denounced the evacuation of Gaza City in the face of an imminent Israeli operation as “a death sentence.“

The text stated that, in light of the repeated announcement of “a massive military mobilization and preparations for an imminent offensive” by the Israeli army to take control of Gaza City, the first evacuation orders have been issued for civilians, including Christians, to be relocated to the southern part of the Gaza Strip.

The statement also denounced that in recent days, “there is more destruction and death in a situation that was already dramatic before this operation,” and noted that “it seems that the Israeli government’s announcement that ‘the gates of hell will open’ is indeed taking on tragic forms.”

For the Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem, the announced offensive 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.”

The patriarchates pointed out that the Greek Orthodox complex of St. Porphyrius and the Latin complex of the Holy Family are located in Gaza City, which have become “a refuge for hundreds of civilians,” including the elderly, women, and children. The Latin complex also houses people with disabilities, cared for by the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity.

The joint message stated that “the refugees living in the facilities will have to decide according to their conscience what they will do,” taking into account that “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,” the statement confirmed.

Faced with the uncertainty surrounding the situation, the two patriarchates reiterated that “there can be no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians, or revenge” and echoed the words of Pope Leo XIV spoken Aug. 23: “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.”

“This is not the right way. There is no reason to justify the deliberate and forcible mass displacement of civilians. There is no reason to justify keeping civilians as prisoners and hostages in dramatic conditions,” the statement emphasized.

The Greek and Latin patriarchates emphasized that “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. There is no reason to justify keeping civilians as prisoners and hostages in dramatic conditions. It is now time for the healing of the long-suffering families on all sides.”

Finally, they urgently called on 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.”

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.