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Jerusalem's Catholic and Greek Orthodox patriarchs arrived in Gaza on Monday for a two-day pastoral visit to support local clergy, Christian families, and Palestinians enduring catastrophic humanitarian conditions
Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III and Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa arrived in the enclave with humanitarian and health officials, as well as representatives of international relief organizations.
The delegation visited the Baptist Hospital in eastern Gaza City, where Pizzaballa toured various departments and assessed the conditions of patients and displaced civilians seeking shelter there.
The trip also included stops at Al-Azhar University and St. John Eye Hospital, allowing the delegation to evaluate the state of educational and medical facilities across the enclave.
According to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the mission reflected the churches' "pastoral responsibility" toward Gaza's residents enduring severe humanitarian suffering, fear, and profound uncertainty.
The patriarchate added that the presence of both church leaders carried "the prayer of Jerusalem to Gaza's wounded faithful and to all who suffer," characterizing the visit as an essential message of consolation, mercy, and solidarity.
The delegation also included Joseph D. Blotz, grand hospitaller of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, alongside representatives from Malteser International, the order's humanitarian relief agency.
According to the patriarchate, their inclusion highlighted ongoing joint operations focused on delivering health care, humanitarian aid, and protecting human dignity in Gaza.
George Antoine, director of operations for the Latin Patriarchate in Gaza, told Anadolu that the mission demonstrated the church's deep concern for local residents and the patriarchs' determination to personally assess the population's suffering and daily hardships.
"The visit brings optimism and hope despite the severe situation Gaza is enduring due to the war," Antoine said, describing it as "a message of love, peace, and hope."
He further urged the international community to support these initiatives and assist Palestinians in securing their legitimate rights.
The patriarchs are expected to meet clergy members, religious communities, Christian families and Palestinians affected by the humanitarian crisis before the visit concludes Tuesday afternoon.
Before Israel's war on Gaza began, the enclave's Christian population was estimated at around 1,000 people among 2.4 million residents. Only several hundred remain today.
According to Gaza's Health Ministry, at least 1,021 Palestinians have been killed and 3,249 others injured in near-daily Israeli attacks despite the ceasefire that has been in place since Oct. 10, 2025.
The ceasefire followed more than two years of war that killed over 72,000 Palestinians, wounded more than 173,000 and devastated about 90% of Gaza's infrastructure.
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