Gaza: Catholic parish NOT under evacuation order

Holy Family Church. Image: Vatican Media

Source: Vatican Media

Following yesterday's report published by Vatican Media, Fr Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, has issued a clarification saying that his immediate parish neighbourhood in Gaza City is NOT under an evacuation order and reiterates his invitation to pray for peace.

While large areas in northern Gaza have been told to move south, Fr Romanelli said: "There has been NO order of evacuation in this area of our neighbourhood. Our area is in the Old City of Gaza, within the larger neighbourhood of Zeytoun."

Fr Gabriel Romanelli, IVE, parish priest of the Holy Family Parish in Gaza, made that declaration to Vatican Media today, Tuesday, 19 August.

"The area is dangerous. Bombings can be heard night and day. Some far away, others closer. At times, even shrapnel arrives," said Fr Romanelli.

"Unfortunately, the war continues. And, with the war, every day more dead, wounded, and destruction are added... and the needs of every kind for the entire civilian population of Gaza grow," he continued.

"We are well, thanks be to God," concluded Fr Romanelli. "We continue to pray for peace."

Several hundred people have taken refuge at the only Catholic Church in Gaza since the outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023.

A tank round struck the church on July 17, killing three people and injuring several others, including Fr Romanelli, whose leg was slightly wounded.

In the wake of that incident, Pope Leo XIV prayed for the victims by name, calling for an end to the "barbarism of war" and expressing his hopes for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.