Strike on Al Ahli Hospital, Gaza, 13 April 2025

We deplore the strikes by the IDF on the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Northern Gaza on the 13 April, Palm Sunday. The Anglican-run hospital is one of the last functioning hospitals in Northern Gaza. Our hearts go out to the family of the child who died after the hospital was given 20 minutes to evacuate critically ill or injured patients.

The hospital is the site of one of the projects supported by the Methodist Church ‘Gaza/Lebanon Justice Appeal’. The Princess Basma child rehabilitation clinic operates out of Al Ahli Hospital. Our partner, The Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre reports that colleagues in Al Ahli Hospital are safe and that, while the clinic has sustained minor damage, the Gaza team are fixing, cleaning and repairing the facility so that it can once again receive patients.

Revd David Hardman, Methodist Liaison Officer, Jerusalem said “We work closely with the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem and are appalled at this missile attack on the Al Ahli Hospital. We are aware of the tremendous care this hospital has continued to offer even under the most difficult circumstances of the past 18 months.

Our thoughts and prayers continue for all the people of Gaza suffering unimaginable trauma and for our Anglican colleagues, Al Ahli Hospital and Princess Basma staff as they bravely continue their healing work.”

This deliberate attack on a hospital follows a pattern of attacks on civilian infrastructure in Gaza since the end of the ceasefire. Hospitals and schools are protected sites under international humanitarian law. IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain has recently reiterated “Even in the most complex conflict zones, there are rules. These rules of International Humanitarian Law could not be clearer – civilians must be protected; humanitarians must be protected. Health services must be protected.“

We call on Israel to cease its strikes on homes, schools and hospitals in Gaza and the West Bank, and on the international community to work strenuously to negotiate an immediate ceasefire that will lead to a permanent end to the war in Gaza.