CMEP condemns bombing of Al-Ahli Hospital

Hospital chapel this morning

In a statement today Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) condemn the bombing of Al-Ahli Hospital this morning, and demand protection for the Christian community and all in Gaza.

They say: "On this blessed day of Palm Sunday, Christians around the world gather to worship and commemorate Jesus' entry into Jerusalem during one of the most sacred times of year as Holy Week begins.

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) condemns in the strongest possible terms the bombing of Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. Al-Ahli is an Anglican institution and one of the oldest, continuously operating hospitals in Gaza. It is Gaza's only Christian hospital and its only cancer treatment center. The bombing of the Anglican Al-Ahli Arab Hospital is a violation of the sacredness of life and it is especially abhorrent during this sacred time for Christians.

The deliberate targeting of a medical facility is a clear violation of international law-a war crime and a crime against humanity.

This attack has significantly damaged the facility. Already functioning under immense strain due to repeated attacks, the genetic laboratory was completely destroyed, the emergency department building and pharmacy significantly damaged, in addition to other collateral damage in surrounding buildings including the St. Phillip's Church building.

According to reports, three patients have died from the bombing, including a 12-year-old child. The destruction of this vital medical facility not only threatens the lives of those currently seeking treatment but also imperils the thousands who will be injured or fall ill in the days and weeks ahead due to the continued bombardment of northern Gaza.

CMEP's executive director, Rev Dr Mae Elise Cannon says: "We stand in solidarity with Al-Ahli Hospital and all Christians in Gaza who must be protected alongside their Muslim neighbours. The people of Gaza - just as Israelis and all people in the Middle East and world - are precious in the eyes of God. In Gaza, the Christian community has decreased by more than three percent because of the deaths of Christians and is being eradicated as a result of the past 18 months of war and violence. The atrocities and violence must be brought to an end for the sake of all people of the Holy Land!"

The closure of Al-Ahli means that cancer patients and others with chronic or life-threatening conditions may now die from entirely preventable causes. This is not only a humanitarian catastrophe-it is an affront to our shared human dignity and to the values that bind us as people of faith.

We call on the Trump Administration and the US government to withhold all weapons from Israel. They are being used to cause decimation of the civilian population in Gaza and in violation of international law. We call on Christians, Americans, and all people of goodwill to demand a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire, an end to all violence, the release of Israeli and international hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners held unjustly, and to pursue a negotiated settlement that will bring lasting resolution to the ongoing cycles of violence between Israelis and Palestinians.

On this Holy Palm Sunday, as Christians around the world remember the Prince of Peace entering Jerusalem in humility, we call on all people of faith to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza. We must raise our voices against the destruction of this sacred place of healing and demand that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure come to an end. The imago Dei (image of God) must be recognized in Palestinians in Gaza and all of the occupied Palestinian territories, just as our common humanity should be respected in all people regardless of their religion, culture, or ethnicity. For 555 days, the violence has continued. We must do more to ensure it does not continue for one day longer to preserve life and hope for a future.

Our faith calls us not only to speak out against injustice, but to act against it. Let us honour that call today and every day until peace and justice prevail. We stand alongside the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem and pray and call for an end to this horrific war and the suffering of so many.