Al-Ahli Hospital sustains Palm Sunday air strikes

The following report is adapted from the Anglican Alliance website and used with permission.

In the early hours of Palm Sunday, the Israeli Defence Force carried out airstrikes against the Anglican Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City. The twin strikes demolished the new two-storey Genetic Laboratory and damaged the Emergency Department and Pharmacy buildings (though thankfully not the medicines and medical supplies store). There was collateral damage to surrounding buildings including the chapel, which also served as a ward for 20 patients.

“This was the news I have been dreading waking up to ever since the ceasefire was broken on March 18,” says Joel Kelling, the Anglican Alliance’s facilitator for the Middle East. “The destruction wrought to a house of healing in the middle of the night should be unimaginable, and yet it is the awful reality that we face. I pray for the patients and health workers providing street-side care, and the quick resumption of life-saving care giving inside Al Ahli as soon as possible.”

We are devastated and outraged by the Israeli air strikes against the Anglican Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City on Palm Sunday. We lament this destructive act against a place of healing and continue to pray for a real and lasting peace with justice for Palestinians and Israelis.

Al-Ahli Hospital is the only hospital still operating in Gaza City, having withstood over 17 months of war while continuing to provide critical medical care. It remains the sole facility equipped with essential medical infrastructure, including a CT scanner and a functioning operating theatre.

A warning was issued by the Israeli army 20 minutes before the bombing, ordering the evacuation of all patients, employees, and displaced people sheltering in the hospital compound. Whilst there were no injuries or deaths as a result of the bombing, a child with a previous head-injury died as a result of the rushed evacuation process.

The attack comes after six weeks of no medical aid or food being allowed into the besieged Gaza Strip.

Hearing from people on the ground

“Our dedicated staff is working diligently to restore the affected areas and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of critical medical care,” said Sawsan Aranki-Batato, the Programs Development Officer of The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem & the Middle East, who operates the hospital. “[They] are highly capable of handling all kinds of emergencies and have successfully saved thousands of lives during times of attack… We are truly blessed to have such dedicated and resilient staff, who continue to meet these challenges with unwavering commitment and compassion… We must continue to urgently advocate for immediate access to humanitarian aid.”

Aranki-Batato manages the joint emergency humanitarian support project funded by Anglican and other ecumenical partners* and co-ordinated by the Anglican Alliance, which has provided support to diocesan institutions in Gaza and the West Bank following the outbreak of war. Al-Ahli Hospital has been a key focus of the project, with funds covering the medical costs of thousands of in- and out-patients.

“Despite the destruction, we are fortunate to continue operations as our core services remain intact,” says Aranki-Batato. “Our dedicated staff is working diligently to restore the affected areas and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of critical medical care – now more vital than ever, as we strive to fill the gap left by other disrupted healthcare providers. We anticipate a steady rise in the number of patients due to the ongoing incursions. 

“Our staff are experienced in operating under pressure and are highly capable of handling all kinds of emergencies. They have successfully saved thousands of lives during times of attack. They have utilized – and will continue to utilize – all available spaces in the hospital, including the corridors and the church. We are truly blessed to have such dedicated staff, and we are continually inspired by their courage and commitment.

“We must continue to urgently advocate for immediate access to humanitarian aid. For nearly four weeks, the people of Gaza have received none – leaving them without food, clean water, and basic necessities. Poor hygiene conditions and overcrowded shelters have significantly accelerated the spread of infectious diseases. Patients with chronic conditions are now experiencing serious complications due to the lack of timely access to medications. As a result, our staff are managing an increasing number of patients suffering from a wide range of illnesses.

“We are truly blessed to have such dedicated and resilient staff, who continue to meet these challenges with unwavering commitment and compassion.”

The Rev. Canon Rachel Carnegie, former excecutive director of Anglican Alliance who is currently in Jerusalm, adds “My heart breaks for the situation – but it is also so inspiring to see how, as ever, the hospital with support from Sawsan and others is responding to continue to save lives”.

Suhaila Tarazi, director Al Ahli Hospital, writes, “Thank you for your heartfelt messages and unwavering support during this challenging time… Despite the destruction, our dedicated team is working tirelessly to restore essential services and continue providing care to the community.

“In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Al-Ahli remains a vital lifeline for Gaza City and the northern region, and we are committed to maintaining our operations to the best of our abilities.

“Your solidarity, prayers, heartfelt thoughts and kind words are a source of strength for all of us here. We deeply appreciate your concern and support.”

On Sunday morning, the Diocese of Jerusalem issued a response to the attack. It concludes,

“The Diocese of Jerusalem is appalled at the bombing of the hospital now for the fifth time since the beginning of the war in 2023 – and this time on the morning of Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. We call upon all governments and people of goodwill to intervene to stop all kinds of attacks on medical and humanitarian institutions. We pray and call for the end of this horrific war and the suffering of so many.”

How you can help

Sawsan Aranki-Batato asks for prayers for an immediate ceasefire, protection of health facilities, protection of patients and health staff and unconditional supply of humanitarian aid.

Please consider supporting Al-Ahli Hospital by giving to Alongside Hope’s West Bank/Gaza Appeal. Give online or by phone at 1-866-308-7973. Or you can mail a cheque to Alongside Hope, 80 Hayden Street, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON, Canada, M4Y 3G2. Please indicate “Gaza” in the memo field. 

Alongside Hope is a founding member of the Anglican Alliance, which also includes Episcopal Relief & Development, U.S.; Anglican Missions Aotearoa, New Zealand, Polynesia; Tearfund New Zealand; Anglican Board of Mission / Anglicans in Development Australia; Anglican Overseas Aid, Australia; Mosaic Middle East; Tearfund UK.