Jerusalem's church leaders visit Gaza with ‘message of hope’ 

Hind Al Soulia - Riyadh - JERUSALEM — The top clerics in Jerusalem of both the Catholic Church and the Greek Orthodox Christian Church on Monday visited the Baptist Hospital and Al-Azhar University in Gaza as part of a two-day pastoral mission meant to support Palestinians facing dire humanitarian conditions caused by Israel’s genocidal war.

Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III and Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa arrived in Gaza accompanied by humanitarian and health officials as well as representatives of international relief organizations.

The delegation included Joseph D. Blotz, grand hospitaller of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, alongside representatives from the humanitarian group Malteser International.

During the visit, Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa opened a healthcare clinic in Gaza.

The new medical facility was established through a collaboration between the Order of Malta and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, with the active support of Christian communities in the region. The clinic is staffed by 30 specialists, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. The center will provide primary healthcare to approximately 100 patients daily.

According to the clinic's medical director, Dr. Ali Ibrahim Al-Musaddar, healthcare for the population of Gaza is in a catastrophic state. He stated that more than 60% of medical facilities in the region have been completely destroyed, while many others have suffered serious damage.

Pizzaballa toured the Baptist Hospital in eastern Gaza City, inspecting its departments and reviewing conditions facing patients and displaced civilians sheltering there.

The visit also included Al-Azhar University and St. John Eye Hospital as part of efforts to assess conditions at educational and medical institutions across the enclave.

In a statement, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said the visit reflects the churches’ “pastoral responsibility” toward Gaza’s residents amid “grave humanitarian suffering, fear, loss and uncertainty.”

The patriarchate said the presence of the two church leaders carries “the prayer of Jerusalem to Gaza’s wounded faithful and to all who suffer” in a message of consolation, mercy, and solidarity.

The two patriarchs are expected to meet clergy members, religious communities, Christian families, and Palestinians affected by the humanitarian crisis to provide spiritual support and renewed hope.

The participation of the Order of Malta and Malteser International delegation also reflects ongoing humanitarian efforts focused on healthcare, relief assistance, and preserving human dignity in Gaza, according to the patriarchate.

George Antoine, director of operations for the Latin Patriarchate in Gaza, told Anadolu that the visit reflects the church’s concern for Gaza residents and the patriarchs’ determination to closely assess people’s suffering and living conditions.

“The visit carries meanings of optimism and hope despite the situation Gaza is enduring because of the war,” Antoine said, describing it as “a message of love, peace and hope.”

He called on the international community to support those efforts and help Palestinians obtain their legitimate rights.

Antoine said the visit will last two days and conclude Tuesday afternoon.

Before the outbreak of Israel’s genocidal war, Gaza’s Christian population was estimated at around 1,000 people out of the enclave’s 2.4 million residents. Only several hundred remain today.