The Israeli government's intention to take control of Gaza City and relocate civilians to the south of the Gaza Strip is unjustified and unnecessary, said an August 26, 2025 joint statement from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem is 60-year-old Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa.
"In recent days, the media have repeatedly reported a massive military mobilization and preparations for an imminent offensive," said the statement.
This comes days after the Israeli government's declaration to seize control of Gaza City, the formerly largest city in Palestine.
"The same reports indicate that the population of Gaza City, where hundreds of thousands of civilians live — and where our Christian community is located — is to be evacuated and relocated to the south of the Strip," the statement continued, noting that there were evacuation orders "already in place" for certain parts of Gaza City.
"Reports of heavy bombardment continue to be received. There is more destruction and death in a situation that was already dramatic before this operation," said the statement.
"It seems that the Israeli government’s announcement that 'the gates of hell will open' is indeed taking on tragic forms."
Holy Family Church, the only Catholic parish in Gaza, as well as the Greek Orthodox compound of Saint Porphyrius, both have served as a place of refuge for "hundreds of civilians," said the statement. This includes those with disabilities, the elderly, women, and children.
Forcing these populations to evacuate, said the statement "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," said the statement.
As the threat of Israeli takeover looms, the patriarchates admitted, "we do not know exactly what will happen on the ground, not only for our community, but for the entire population."
"We can only repeat what we have already said: There can be no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians or revenge," said the statement.
"We echo what Pope Leo XIV said a few days ago: '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.'"
Forcing evacuations and seizing control of the city, said the statement "is not the right way."
"There is no reason to justify the deliberate and forcible mass displacement of civilians," said the patriarchs.
Instead, "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," said the patriarchs.
The patriarchates further called on the international community to not only "act for an end of this senseless and destructive war," but also "for the return of the missing people and the Israeli hostages."
"Let us pray that all our hearts may be converted, so that we may walk in the paths of justice and life, for Gaza and for the whole Holy Land."
