Clergy and nuns in Gaza City have refused to leave their churches, despite Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warning that “the gates of hell will soon open.”
In a joint statement on August 26, 2025, the Latin and Greek Orthodox Patriarchates of Jerusalem, led by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Patriarch Theophilos III, said they would remain in the city to care for vulnerable refugees sheltering in their compounds, even as Israel confirmed plans for a further ground offensive in the region.
With hundreds of civilians already taking refuge in church compounds since the war began, the clergy insisted that fleeing southwards would be “nothing less than a death sentence.” Their statement read: “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 Catholic leaders described the situation as already being “hell on earth,” with many Gazans, including the elderly, disabled and children, weakened and malnourished due to widespread starvation under IDF control. They warned: “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.”
In Britain, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England echoed the Holy See’s call for a two-state solution, stressing that it remains the only viable path to secure peace and stability for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Compiled by: Catherine Male
