Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza Ordered to Evacuate Amid Imminent IDF Offensive

Photo: Jehad Alshrafi/AP

GAZA CITY — The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Porphyrios and its surrounding compound in Gaza City have been ordered to evacuate ahead of an anticipated Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) offensive, the Times of Israel reported Wednesday. An evacuation map published on the IDF’s Arabic website places the historic site within a designated red zone.

While the nearby Catholic Church of the Holy Family has not received evacuation orders, the Anglican St. Philip’s Church — located inside the Al-Ahli Arab Anglican Hospital compound — also lies within an evacuation area. Hundreds of civilians, including the elderly, women, children, and people with disabilities, are currently sheltering in these compounds.

In a joint statement Tuesday, the Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem condemned the escalation, stressing that clergy and nuns refuse to flee south, calling such a move “nothing less than a death sentence.” The advocacy group Protecting Holy Land Christians added that bombing near the churches has been “nonstop,” highlighting the severe dangers facing those inside.

Previously, UOJ reported that Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, joined by leaders of the Armenian, Franciscan, Latin, and Anglican churches, hosted U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Jeff Merkley for a solemn meeting on August 25 to address the mounting challenges facing Christians in the Holy Land.

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