15.04.2025
‘Al–Ahli remains a vital lifeline for Gaza City’ – Hospital Director Shares Plans to Reopen
Just two days after the Palm Sunday missile attack on al–Ahli Anglican Hospital in Gaza City, the hospital’s courageous staff are already working to reopen it. Canon Don Binder, pastor to the English speaking congregation at St George’s Cathedral in Jerusalem and chaplain to the Archbishop of Jerusalem gave an update from hospital director Suhaila Tarazi this morning (Tuesday April 15).
Suhaila reported that staff were working around the clock to restore full medical services, even as they have begun to receive more wounded people.
Having received messages from around the world she wrote: “Thank you for your heartfelt messages and unwavering support during this challenging time. . . . Despite the destruction, our dedicated team is working tirelessly to restore essential services and continue providing care to the community.
“In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, al–Ahli remains a vital lifeline for Gaza City and the northern region and we are committed to maintaining our operations to the best of our abilities. Your solidarity, prayers, heartfelt thoughts and kind words are a source of strength for all of us here. We deeply appreciate your concern and support.”
Canon Binder stated that the Diocese of Jerusalem was planning for the reconstruction of the hospital’s destroyed buildings, and Archbishop Hosam Naoum would soon be issuing a fresh appeal for those wishing to contribute to these rebuilding efforts.
“In the meantime, we welcome your support of our Christian mission of healing in war–torn Gaza through one of our existing appeals,” he said on Facebook. “Please share this post to get wider exposure to these rebuilding efforts. And please continue to advocate with your national leaders for an end to this horrific war and in the meantime, for international pressure for protection of all medical facilities around the world, whether they be in Ukraine or Gaza or anywhere else. Thanks for all your prayers and support.”
In Dublin and Glendalough we are currently setting up a new appeal to support the rebuilding programme. Archbishop Michael Jackson said that he was devastated by the attack on the hospital, both for people who clung on to hope for medical provision for it and for the brave and dedicated staff of the hospital.
“To see it reduced to rubble, like a nuclear wasteland, would tear very strongly at my heart,” he stated sharing the outrage of the staff, patients and the people of the Diocese of Jerusalem and expressing solidarity with them. “Now just days later, in yet another testament to their resilience, we hear from Suhaila Tarazi that staff are working around the clock to reopen the hospital. We do not yet know what this will look like given the complete lack of materials and medical supplies entering Gaza but al–Ahli Arab Hospital is truly a beacon of hope, both to the people of Gaza and those who seek to offer Christian mission throughout the world.”
You can watch a World Health Organisation video taken in the hospital on Sunday morning here.