Christian ministers in Gaza City have decided to ignore evacuation orders and remain with the people they are ministering to ahead of an imminent Israeli ground assault aimed at defeating Hamas fighters in the area.

In a joint statement, the Greek and Latin Patriarchs of Jerusalem reference hundreds of civilians who have long taken refuge in church compounds, “many already weakened and malnourished due to the hardships of the last months”.

“Leaving Gaza City and trying to flee to the south would be nothing less than a death sentence. 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 Patriarchs say reports of heavy bombardment continue to be received, adding: “It seems that the Israeli government’s announcement that ‘the gates of hell will open’ is indeed taking on tragic forms”.

They appeal “to the international community to act for an end of this senseless and destructive war, and for the return of the missing people and the Israeli hostages”.