Gaza Hospital update
The Anglican run Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza has provided a Christian healing ministry in Gaza City since 1882.
The war between Israel and Hamas started in October 2023. According to the United Nations, it has resulted in the deaths of an estimated 38,000 Palestinians in Gaza and at least 1,200 Israelis. At this point the war has also displaced almost 2 million Palestinians, or 83% of the population.
Article by The Most Rev. Linda Nicholls and Will Postma:
Over the last few days there has been an escalation of attacks on Gaza City that resulted in an evacuation order in several areas, including the evacuation of the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. This hospital is under the oversight of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and has been offering shelter, aid and medical care to those affected by the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel.
Archbishop Hosam Naoum has called for the reopening of the hospital and protection for its humanitarian work. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said, “In the face of intense Israeli bombardment, this closure puts injured and sick people in even greater danger. I join Archbishop Hosam’s appeal to the Israel Defence Forces to allow the hospital to continue its sacred and courageous work of caring for people in desperate need. To relieve the immense suffering in the Holy Land, I continue to pray and call for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and for unfettered aid for the people of Gaza.”
Hospitals are intended to be safe zones for all who are in need during a conflict. Under international law they are to be protected from attack and permitted to continue their humanitarian work unimpeded. The evacuation order is particularly concerning when there is nowhere in Gaza to go that is safe in the current situation. Vulnerable people, the sick and injured were forced to flee along with the medical personnel who have courageously served under extreme conditions without pay for many months and without the needed medical supplies consistently available.
On July 11, the hospital was permitted to reopen which is welcome news. However, the chaos of the evacuation and now restart has added pain and trauma to many vulnerable people. There must be stable, consistent healthcare and refuge available.
Through the Anglican Alliance, agencies in the Anglican Communion are offering aid to the Al Ahli Hospital, including PWRDF. See the Anglican Alliance joint statement.
Please consider supporting PWRDF’s efforts through the Gaza and West Bank Emergency Appeal, or the Companions of Jerusalem, which is also supporting efforts.
We add our voices to those around the world calling for a full ceasefire, the release of hostages and access to humanitarian aid for the millions of Gazans suffering at this time. We offer our prayers for all who are suffering.
God of mercy, justice and peace, bring peace to the conflict in the land of the Holy One, release to those held captive as hostages, and healing to the suffering.
Strengthen those who work for peace and who offer medical and humanitarian aid in the midst of the conflict. Bring comfort to those in despair.
In all things bring us to know ourselves as one human family under your care, called to peace and justice for every human being. AMEN.
The Most Rev. Linda Nicholls
Archbishop & Primate
Anglican Church of Canada
Will Postma
Executive Director
The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund
During this conflict the chapel has been converted to serve as an additional ward. Photo by Dawoud Abo Aklas, shared with other photos via Richard Sewell, Episcopal Church of Jerusalem.