Jerusalem Patriarchates call for an end to violence in Gaza and continue caring for civilians

The Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over Israel’s plans to take control of Gaza City. They report that evacuation orders have already been issued for several neighborhoods, accompanied by heavy bombardment causing destruction and loss of life. The Patriarchates emphasize that their compounds—the Greek Orthodox compound of St. Porphyrius and the Holy Family compound—have sheltered hundreds of civilians since the outbreak of the war, including the elderly, women, children, and people with disabilities. This was reported by Orthodox Christianity.

“Leaving Gaza and attempting to flee south would be nothing less than a death sentence,” the Patriarchates said, explaining the decision of clergy and nuns to remain and continue caring for those seeking refuge. They note that many of the people in their shelters are weakened and malnourished due to the hardships of the past months, making it extremely dangerous to leave the city.

In their statement, the Patriarchates call for an immediate end to the violence, emphasizing: “There is no reason to justify the deliberate and forcible mass displacement of civilians.” They appeal to the international community to help end this “senseless and destructive war” and to secure the return of missing people and Israeli hostages.

The statement concludes with a prayer for the conversion of hearts: “so that we may walk in the paths of righteousness and life, for Gaza and for the whole Holy Land.” The Patriarchates remind that the war has caused immense suffering to both people and territories, and now is the time for recovery and the protection of the rights of all civilians.

Additionally, it was previously reported that on August 15, 2025, unidentified individuals set fire to the garden of the Russian Spiritual Mission in Hebron, where the world-famous Mamre Oak—under which, according to the Bible, the patriarch Abraham received God—is also located. The fire nearly reached the ancient tree, but thanks to the timely response of the mission’s residents, it was contained with available means and the fire brigade promptly arrived on site.