Gaza: Anglican Hospital re-opens

Photo by Emad El Byed on Unsplash

Last Sunday the Israeli Army forced the Al Ali Arab Hospital in Gaza City to close. Operations and treatments were cancelled and sas staff and many sick and injured patients were hastily removed - many in beds and wheelchairs. One of the ambulances bringing patients to the hospitals was shot at by a sniper.

Four days later the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem announced that the hospital is re-opening. They issued the following statement:

Thanks be to God, the Diocese of Jerusalem is able to announce that on Thursday 11th July, owing to the dedication and courage of our staff, it was possible to re-open Al Ali Arab Hospital in Gaza City.

Despite intense military activity in the areas surrounding the hospital some staff were able to return. Most patients and others in need of medical attention have not yet been able to make the same hazardous journey. Our remarkable staff were able to perform eight surgeries in the day.

The hospital ambulance which was hit by a sniper on Monday is severely damaged but we report with great relief that the driver has returned to the hospital safe and unharmed and there were no patients in the ambulance at the time of the attack on the vehicle.

The Diocese of Jerusalem is committed to the continued ministry of healing and reconciliation. This is fulfilled beyond all expectation by the outstanding service and courage of the peoole of the Diocese. The Ali Arab Hospital is and will remain a beacon of hope in Gaza and beyond.

We thank all our partners around the world and all people of goodwill for their prayers and support in these challenging days.