Church of England bishops have issued a strongly worded statement after an Israeli air strike on a Gaza hospital.
The Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza City is run by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and has been a lifeline for Palestinians because the outbreak of the war between Israel and Gaza.
The air strike coincided with Palm Sunday, probably the most vital days within the Christian calendar marking Jesus’ entrance to Jerusalem before his death on the Cross.
In an announcement, the Church of England House of Bishops expressed their “grief, sorrow and outrage” over the attack, which they said has come after months of “unbearable conditions” on the hospital.
“It is a facility that several of us have visited, and all of us carry in our prayers,” they said.
“We are especially grieved that this attack on the one Christian hospital in Gaza – the fifth such attack since October 2023 – should occur on Palm Sunday, the start of Holy Week, and in the course of the Jewish festival of Passover.
“There isn’t any justification under international humanitarian law for targeting hospitals, healthcare infrastructure and medical personnel.
“Hospital staff have to be protected in any respect times so the wounded and sick might be freely treated. We are dismayed that hospitals have develop into battlegrounds in Gaza.”
The statement calls on Israel to supply evidence in support of claims that the hospital was getting used a command and control centre by Hamas.
The bishops are also demanding “an independent, thorough and transparent investigation” into the attack “in addition to the alleged misuse of the hospital”.
According to the World Health Organization, the hospital is now completely out of service.
Dr Fadl Naeem, Acting Director of Al Ahli Arab Hospital said, “We have now made a preliminary assessment of the damage, which may be very extensive. We will need weeks to revive the place, and in some parts, it might extend to months.
“There is a significant problem within the radiology and laboratory departments, since the damaged equipment cannot get replaced within the Gaza Strip as a consequence of the blockade imposed on the Strip. There aren’t any spare parts even for a few of the equipment that might be repaired.”
The bishops called on all sides of the conflict to respect the ceasefire agreement and for all remaining hostages to be released. They also called for “unfettered” humanitarian aid to succeed in the people of Gaza.
“We appeal especially to the British Government to renew its efforts, through every means possible, to induce the Government of Israel to abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law. Such laws were created to guard human dignity during war. No State can place themselves above them,” they said.
The statement ended with an appeal for prayer and donations to support the Al Ahli Hospital.
“As we journey through Holy Week, within 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 of the peoples of the Holy Land,” they said.
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