Anglican clerics appeal for help for Gaza hospital hit by Israeli airstrike

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - The Archbishops of Canterbury and Jerusalem issued a joint emergency appeal Tuesday for the al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in the Gaza Strip that was targeted in a deadly airstrike last week.

Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, said the hospital is still providing critical care to those who are injured and anyone needing medical attention despite being attacked Oct. 17.

"As health services become even more vital in Gaza, the work of the hospital becomes more difficult for urgent need of medications, equipment and fuel," he said.

"I urge everyone, if they are able, to support the Al Ahli Hospital’s work caring for the wounded body of Jesus Christ and contribute to the Gaza Appeal," he said as he urged continued prayer for those who are in mourning.

Archbishop of Jerusalem Hosam Naoum said innocent civilians, especially women and children, "have been caught in the deadly crossfire," since Oct. 7.

"My sisters and brothers in Christ, I appeal to you to first of all to pray for our mission here," he said.

On the hospital attack, he said although Ahli’s buildings were heavily damaged, two nights after the attack, staff were able to partially reopen the hospital.

"Advocate with your representatives for a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land, so that all who dwell within these lands can live in security," he added.

At least 471 people were killed and many injured in an Israeli airstrike on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, according to health officials in Gaza.

Israel denied responsibility for the strike.

The conflict in Gaza, which has been under Israeli bombardment and a blockade since Oct. 7, began when the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air.

Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Nearly 7,200 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 5,791 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.