Patriarchs Enter Gaza with ‘Message of Hope’ as Crisis Deepens

JERUSALEM – The top Catholic and Greek Orthodox leaders in Jerusalem began a two-day visit to Gaza on Tuesday, meeting with clergy, Christian families, and Palestinians affected by the ongoing war. The patriarchs described their trip as a “message of hope” for the territory’s dwindling Christian community. They are visiting churches and shelters to offer support amid severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The visit comes as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens following months of intense Israeli military operations. Local officials report widespread destruction and a collapsing health system. The church leaders are expected to pray at key religious sites and call for a ceasefire before returning to Jerusalem.