‘We Won’t Evacuate from Gaza’ Say Pizzaballa and Theophilus

Jerusalem: The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and the Greek Orthodox Patriarch, Theophilus III, announced in a joint statement Tuesday that they will not leave Gaza following Israel’s decision to occupy the Strip. “The clergy and nuns have decided to remain and continue to care for all those in the compounds,” they said.

According to Ansa News Agency, the two patriarchs emphasized that “leaving Gaza and attempting to flee south would be a death sentence,” and reiterated that “there can be no future based on imprisonment, the displacement of Palestinians, or revenge.” They added, “There is no reason to justify the deliberate and forced mass displacement of civilians.”

“Since the outbreak of the war,” Pizzaballa and Theophilus III stated, “the Greek Orthodox compound of San Porfirio and the Holy Family compound have provided shelter to hundreds of civilians. Among them are elderly people, women, and children. For many years, we have hosted people with disabilities in the Latin
compound, entrusted to the care of the Missionary Sisters of Charity.”

The statement highlighted the difficult choices faced by the refugees living within these facilities. “Like other residents of Gaza City, the refugees living in the facilities will have to make a conscientious decision about what to do. Among those who have sought refuge within the compound walls, many are weakened and malnourished due to the hardships of recent months. Leaving Gaza City and attempting to flee south would be a death sentence.” For this reason, the clergy and nuns have decided to stay.

The patriarchs expressed uncertainty about the future, stating, “We do not know exactly what will happen on the ground, not only for our community, but for the entire population.” They invoked Pope Leo XIV’s recent statement, emphasizing the need for respect for all peoples in their identity and rights, especially the right to live in their own land.

“This is not the right path,” they insisted, urging an end to the violence and a focus on
the common good of the people. “With equal urgency,” the patriarchs concluded, “we call on the international community to act to end this senseless and destructive war and for the return of missing persons and Israeli hostages.”