Israeli Air Strike on Gaza Hospital Sparks Condemnation from Church of England
(Photo: Church of England)
An Israeli air strike targeting a hospital in Gaza City has elicited a strong response from the Church of England’s bishops. The Al Ahli Hospital, operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, has been an essential service provider for Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza.
Occurring on Palm Sunday, a significant day marking the beginning of Holy Week, the attack has drawn sharp criticism. The Church of England House of Bishops expressed profound “grief, sorrow and outrage” in response to the incident, which comes after enduring “unbearable conditions” at the hospital for months.
“It is a facility that several of us have visited, and all of us carry in our prayers,” the bishops stated.
The statement emphasized the gravity of the attack on Palm Sunday, which coincided with the Jewish festival of Passover, and highlighted the lack of justification “under international humanitarian law for targeting hospitals, healthcare infrastructure, and medical personnel.”
The bishops urged that hospital staff be protected to ensure that the wounded and sick can receive treatment without hindrance, acknowledging with concern that hospitals have turned into battlegrounds in Gaza.
They called on Israel to present evidence to back its claims that the hospital served as a command and control center for Hamas. Additionally, the bishops demanded “an independent, thorough and transparent investigation” into both the attack and the alleged misuse of the hospital.
According to the World Health Organization, Al Ahli Hospital is now completely out of service. Dr. Fadl Naeem, Acting Director of the hospital, reported that the damage is significant, with repairs expected to take weeks or even months. The blockade imposed on Gaza complicates the replacement of damaged equipment, particularly for the radiology and laboratory departments.
The bishops also appealed for all parties involved in the conflict to honor the ceasefire agreement and release remaining hostages. They stressed the importance of allowing “unfettered” humanitarian aid to reach Gaza’s people.
“We appeal especially to the British Government to renew its efforts, through every means possible, to urge the Government of Israel to abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law. Such laws were created to protect human dignity during war. No State can place themselves above them,” the bishops declared.
In closing, they urged for prayer and donations to support the Al Ahli Hospital. “As we journey through Holy Week, in the name of Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace, we pray and cry out for an end to this violence. We pray for justice and peace for Palestinians and Israelis, and for security, dignity and hope for all the peoples of the Holy Land,” they concluded.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
