17/04 • AL AHLI HOSPITAL

Israeli airstrikes destroyed the hospital’s newly built two-storey Genetic Laboratory and severely damaged the Emergency Department, Pharmacy, and chapel, which was being used as a ward for 20 patients. Just 20 minutes’ notice was given before the missiles struck. While no one was killed in the blast itself, a young girl died during the rushed evacuation, and others were injured trying to flee.

The Diocese of Jerusalem, which runs the hospital, condemned the attack in the strongest terms:

“This was not only an attack on a hospital. It was an attack on hope itself.”

Al Ahli is the only remaining hospital in Gaza City with a functioning operating theatre and CT scanner. It has provided critical care throughout more than 17 months of war. Its staff have worked under extreme conditions, with severe shortages of water, electricity, fuel, and medicine.

Under international humanitarian law, hospitals and medical personnel must be protected - yet Al Ahli has now been hit five times. Suhaila Tarazi, the hospital’s director, says:

“Despite the destruction, our team is working tirelessly to restore essential services and continue providing care. Al Ahli remains a lifeline for Gaza City.”

Sawsan Aranki-Batato, who leads emergency response for the Diocese, adds:

This was a shocking attack made even more devastating by the context in which it occurred. For over six weeks, no humanitarian aid, food, fuel or medical supplies have been allowed into Gaza. The health system is on the brink of collapse, disease is spreading rapidly, and people are dying from causes that are entirely preventable. In this context, the bombing of Gaza City’s last functioning hospital is not only appalling - it is indefensible.

It has rightly drawn condemnation from church leaders, humanitarian organisations, and legal experts alike. It has also deepened the grief, frustration and despair felt by so many around the world who are watching this crisis unfold and asking: how much longer?

The Anglican Alliance, together with its global partners, including Anglican Missions continues to coordinate emergency support to Al Ahli and other diocesan institutions in Gaza. As the Diocese begins planning the reconstruction of the destroyed hospital buildings, the cry for protection, provision, and peace grows louder.