Two historic churches in Gaza’s al-Zeitoun neighborhood have emerged as vital sanctuaries, offering refuge and hope to hundreds of displaced residents, both Christian and Muslim.
Newsroom (19/09/2025, Gaudium Press ) The city of Gaza is reeling from relentless Israeli airstrikes that have targeted multiple neighborhoods, intensifying a conflict that shows no signs of abating. Days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the launch of a ground operation and urged civilians to evacuate designated combat zones, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz issued a stark warning: Gaza faces the prospect of “massive destruction” unless Hamas releases Israeli hostages and surrenders its weapons. Amid the chaos, two historic churches in Gaza’s al-Zeitoun neighborhood have emerged as vital sanctuaries, offering refuge and hope to hundreds of displaced residents, both Christian and Muslim.
The Holy Family Catholic Church, a spiritual cornerstone in southern Gaza, has become a haven for approximately 600 people, including families from both Christian and Muslim communities. As shells explode nearby, the church provides a rare measure of calm, its walls offering not only physical shelter but also a sense of solidarity in a city battered by war. Father Gabriel Romanelli, the pastor of Holy Family, has vowed to keep the church’s doors open, declaring, “We will not abandon the people in this difficult time.” His commitment reflects the church’s mission to serve as a beacon of hope, offering shelter, food, and spiritual support to those in need.
Approximately 1.7 miles away—a 40-minute walk through Gaza’s war-torn streets, according to Google Maps—stands the Orthodox Church of St. Porphyrius, a centuries-old institution that traces its roots to the early Christian history of the region. Though smaller in capacity than Holy Family, St. Porphyrius has also opened its doors to displaced residents, providing refuge to a modest but growing number of families. The church’s ancient stone walls, steeped in history, stand as a testament to the resilience of Gaza’s Christian community, which has dwindled to fewer than 1,000 members amid decades of conflict and economic hardship.
The relationship between Holy Family Church and St. Porphyrius has long been one of mutual respect, but the war has deepened their bond. Leaders from both churches have worked closely to support Gaza’s Christian minority, which relies heavily on aid channeled through Catholic organizations. Notably, the majority of those sheltering at Holy Family are Orthodox Christians, a reflection of the larger Orthodox community in Gaza and the greater resources available at the Catholic church. This interdenominational cooperation underscores a shared mission to serve all in need, regardless of faith, as the humanitarian crisis worsens.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which oversees Catholic communities in the region, is closely monitoring the situation in Gaza. Sources within the Patriarchate have warned of the dire consequences of continued escalation, pointing to the already crumbling infrastructure and worsening humanitarian conditions. Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa has been vocal in his calls for peace, stating earlier this week that another round of violence “will only bring more destruction and suffering.” He has urged the international community to act swiftly to halt the war and protect civilians, particularly in areas with vulnerable Christian populations.
The Holy See has echoed these concerns, with Pope Leo XIV and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, repeatedly calling for respect for civilian lives and the establishment of secure corridors for humanitarian aid. Their statements highlight the plight of Gaza’s Christian community, which faces existential challenges as the war compounds the pressures of poverty, displacement, and declining numbers. Despite these hardships, the churches remain steadfast, serving as both witnesses to the suffering and symbols of hope for a beleaguered population.
The escalating conflict has raised fears of a broader humanitarian catastrophe. Gaza’s infrastructure, already strained by years of blockade and intermittent fighting, is on the brink of collapse. Hospitals are overwhelmed, food and water shortages are acute, and the constant threat of airstrikes has left residents with few safe places to turn. Yet, in the heart of al-Zeitoun, Holy Family Church and St. Porphyrius continue to stand firm, their doors open to all who seek refuge.
For Father Romanelli, the mission is clear: “The church is here to serve, to provide hope, and to show that even in the darkest times, we are not alone.” As the war drags on, the resilience of Gaza’s churches and their communities offers a powerful reminder of the enduring human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable hardship.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
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