Reports of an evacuation order for the Greek Orthodox Church of St Porphyrius in Gaza City have sparked confusion after conflicting statements emerged this week.
Israeli media, citing an evacuation map published by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), claimed that the church and its surrounding compound lie within a designated “red zone” earmarked for evacuation ahead of an anticipated military offensive.
However, the church itself categorically denied the report, stating on its official Facebook page: “We are all safe. No one has contacted us regarding the evacuation of the displaced people from the church.”
Churches under pressure
St Porphyrius, one of the oldest Christian landmarks in the region, has become a sanctuary for hundreds of displaced civilians, including families, children and the elderly.
The nearby Catholic Church of the Holy Family has reportedly not been ordered to evacuate, though the Anglican St Philip’s Church – within the Al-Ahli Arab Anglican Hospital compound – is also located in an evacuation zone.
Clergy vow to remain
As Israel prepares a mass evacuation of Gaza City, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued a joint statement on Tuesday condemning the escalation.
They stressed that clergy and nuns intend to remain in Gaza, warning that fleeing south “would be nothing less than a death sentence.”
Meanwhile, the Protecting Holy Land Christians group reported that bombings near the churches have been “nonstop,” highlighting the grave risk to civilians even before any official evacuation orders are implemented.
Source: Orthodox Times
