Israel launches missile attack on last functioning hospital in Gaza

Source: Amos Trust, Diocese of Jerusalem, WCC

In the early hours of today, 13th April, Israel launched a devastating attack on our partner, the Al Ahli Arab 'Baptist' Hospital in Gaza City.

Israel gave the hospital 20 minutes to evacuate patients onto the surrounding streets before launching a missile attack that destroyed the hospital's emergency unit, its main entrance and a facility holding medical oxygen for intensive care patients.

The patients, the victims of weeks of Israeli bombing of the city, included intensive care patients, amputees and many more with acute injuries who now have no other medical facility to be transferred to.

This small hospital, part of the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem, was the last functioning hospital in Gaza City and the last trauma unit.

The Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem released this statement:

"The Diocese of Jerusalem condemns in the strongest terms today's missile attacks on the Ahli Arab Hospital, an institution run by the Anglican Church in Jerusalem. The twin strikes demolished the two-storey genetic laboratory and damaged the pharmacy and the emergency department buildings. It also resulted in other collateral damage to the surrounding buildings, including the church building of St Philip's.

A mere twenty minutes prior to the attack, the Israeli army ordered all patients, employees and displaced people to immediately evacuate the hospital premises prior to its bombing. We thank God that there were no injuries or deaths as a result of the bombing. However, one child who previously suffered a head injury tragically died as a result of the rushed evacuation process.

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."

Amos Trust joins them in condemnation of Israel's attack, which is yet another war crime and another crime against humanity in Gaza. Our thoughts and prayers are with the hospital staff, patients and all those in Gaza.

Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC General Secretary said:

"The World Council of Churches condemns in the strongest terms the bombing of the Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza-once again targeted, now for the fifth time since the war began. That this attack occurred on Palm Sunday, at the start of Holy Week, deepens the outrage and sorrow.

Hospitals must never be targets. The repeated assaults on this church-run medical facility reflect the unbearable suffering endured by the people of Gaza, whose dignity and humanity continue to be violated.

As we mark Easter, the resurrection of Christ affirms that death and injustice will not have the final word. In the face of destruction, we proclaim life. We call on the international community to act urgently to protect civilians, uphold international law, and help bring an end to this brutal war."

Read more about the Ahli Arab Hospital: https://j-diocese.org/wordpress/healthcare-3/