Christian churches defy Israeli army, refuse to vacate buildings amid IDF's 'occupy Gaza City' plan

Christian clergy in Gaza have vowed to defy Israeli evacuation orders as the Israel Defense Forces prepare a major offensive under the "Occupy Gaza City" plan. According to reports on August 26, priests and nuns from the Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem announced they will remain inside Gaza’s churches to provide care for civilians unable to flee, including the elderly, women, children, and the disabled. The compounds of St. Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church and the Catholic Holy Family Church have served as refuges for Gazans since October 7, 2023. Both patriarchates issued a joint statement condemning the “senseless and destructive war” while urging the release of hostages. Past Israeli strikes on church sites, including a deadly July 17 attack on the Holy Family compound, have drawn international outrage.