Instead, they will stay in the churches and help those who cannot flee, according to the Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem in a joint statement.
The Greek Orthodox St. Porphyrius and the Catholic Holy Family Church, both in Gaza City, have been a refuge for hundreds of civilians since the outbreak of war in 2023 – among them women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities, according to the patriarchs' statement.
"Among those who have sought shelter within the church complex walls are many weakened and malnourished after the hardships of recent months," they write and state:
"Leaving Gaza City and trying to flee south would be nothing but a death sentence."
As a result, the nuns and priests have decided to stay and take care of the people seeking shelter.
In the statement, they direct sharp criticism at Israel's planned ground offensive against Gaza City, which in practice means an occupation of the million-city and its surroundings. They urge an end to the "meaningless and destructive war" and the release of all hostages held by extremist groups in the Gaza Strip.
"We can only repeat what we have already said: There is no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians or revenge."
In July, three people were killed when Israel attacked the Holy Family Church. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later claimed that the church was hit by mistake.
