Embrace Partner Updates
from Israel/Palestine

29 JANUARY

Schools affected by violence across the West Bank

Fears for the safety of pupils as they commute to school means many schools across the West Bank have faced closures since October. Since 15th January, the Ministry of Education reinstated face-to-face education in schools (although they continue to monitor the security situation closely).

Our partner BASR (the Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation), tell us that while their Centre for Special Education in the village of Tuqqu, near Bethlehem, was closed, the staff worked hard to ensure the pupils still had access to support and education:

“BASR and the staff of the centre prepared an alternative work plan through which children and their families were provided with home-based activities, assignments and exercises to ensure that children continued to receive their education while employing alternative solutions. The centre’s staff shared videos with the families and children, and children also shared their small achievements at home through videos and photos with their classmates and teachers through a dedicated group via Whatsapp. The centre’s teachers ensured close daily communication with the children and their families throughout this period, responding to any needs, providing advice and support.”

The centre has now reopened, and we pray that it will be able to continue to safely stay open so their pupils can have access to the specialist face-to-face support they need.

24 JANUARY

IDF restrictions mean community around Gaza Church facing severe food shortages

Many of Gaza’s Christians are still sheltering in the Catholic and Orthodox churches in Gaza city. They continue to try to help those around them, but severe food shortages are causing the imminent threat of starvation for many. George Antone, who works for our partner Caritas and is one of those sheltering in the Catholic church, recently told the BBC Radio 4’s Sunday programme:

“We are trying to bring some medication, food, water, supplies, to the people here because the market is almost empty of everything, especially the fruits and vegetables. There is no rice or pasta. There is no wheat flour. There are no cans, like beans, hummus… or corned beef.”

Despite their requests, neither the UNRWA nor the Red Cross (the main distributors of aid in Gaza) have been able to get to them. George said:

“We are still depending on the church and the organisations related to the church, like Caritas, Pontifical Mission and some other friends from here and there.”

Juliette Touma, Director of Medications for the UN relief agency UNRWA in the Palestinian Territories, was also speaking on the programme. She said that IDF restrictions and check points are stopping them from bringing vital aid to several communities in areas of northern Gaza and Gaza City and called for these restrictions were lifted. The UN reported that in January less than a quarter of aid convoys had reached their destinations in the north because Israeli authorities denied most access.

You can listen to their interview on the BBC here.

17 JANUARY

Trying to stop the spread of disease in overcrowded Rafah

The extremely poor living conditions and continued lack of adequate food, water, medicines and sanitation, means the risk of disease is extremely high and any outbreaks would spread quickly. Our partner the DSPR-NECC are working hard to try to minimise this threat by providing Health Awareness Workshops in different neighbourhoods in and around Rafah. As well as providing advice on how to minimise the risk of disease, they are also distributing hygiene kits at the workshops, including soap, shampoo, lice shampoo and sanitary pads. However, sourcing the items for these kits is extremely difficult because the supplies getting into Gaza remain limited.

16 JANUARY

An update from the NECC health clinic in Rafah

There has been a communications blackout in Gaza since 12th January, so it is difficult for news to reach us. However, we have heard from our partner the NECC (Near East Council of Churches). They tell us that they are still providing primary medical care through their clinic in Rafah and in the refugee camps around Rafah. They are one of only 4 clinics still functioning in the central and southern areas of Gaza, meaning the 30 staff are treating over 400 people every day. However, in the last few days airstrikes in Rafah have intensified and we remain concerned about the ability for partners to operate in safety. 

9 JANUARY

Al Ahli Hospital Situation Update

An IDF raid before Christmas left Al Ahli Hospital unable to function as a hospital. The extraordinary dedication and resilience of the staff at Al Ahli mean that it is once more able to admit some patients and perform a limited number of operations. However, the conditions they are working in remain dire and, as is the case with hospitals across Gaza, their ability to keep treating patients remains precarious. Lack of medical supplies, water, or electricity; IDF detainment of staff; or military activity could all prevent Al Ahli from receiving and treating patients once again.

What has been happening to Al Ahli, and hospitals across Gaza, is extremely concerning. Under the Geneva Convention and international humanitarian law, medical facilities and medical personnel should be protected.

3 JANUARY

An update from the Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre

Our partner, the Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre (JPBC), which provides specialist disability treatment to children in the West Bank, had been due to open its new Gaza satellite facility this month in Al Ahli Hospital. The war has tragically put this plan on hold and last month we heard that the facility itself had been damaged in the fighting.

However, the JPBC remains committed to serving the children of Gaza. Despite the communication difficulties, they have been able to provide some online medical advice and therapeutic support for three families in Gaza.

One family is that of 5-year-old Ibrahim, who had travelled to JPBC for treatment in July. His mother recently told JPBC that they had had to flee their home because of the bombing, before having to relocate again to Rafah. Ibrahim needs regular medication for his condition. Without access to it, and because of the conditions his family is now forced to live in, his condition has deteriorated both physically and psychologically. The latest news JPBC heard from the family was that he had been admitted to hospital. Since then, they have not been able to reach the family again. We pray that Ibrahim has been able to get the medication and treatment he needs.

2 JANUARY

The Christmas and New Year period have seen continued bombing and fighting inside Gaza, more mass movement of people from their homes, more civilian deaths, and no signs of an early end to this conflict. Communication with our partners is hampered by very limited internet and phone access but we praise God for the Jordanian airdrop on Christmas eve, which provided much needed food and supplies to the two churches in North Gaza.

22 DECEMBER

This Christmas, our gifts might not be wrapped in glittering paper and adorned with ribbons, but they are wrapped in compassion, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to provide solace and support in the face of unfathomable hardship. We extend our deepest gratitude for your great support and solidarity during these challenging times.

May the light of hope pierce through the clouds of despair, guiding us towards a future where peace reigns, voices are heard, and the joy of this season is restored. Wishing you strength, solace, and the warmth of love this Christmas, despite the adversities that encircle us.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4

On Behalf of DSPR-MECC’s Central Committee, Central Office, the five Area Committees, the volunteers, staff, and rights holders

20 DECEMBER

Further tragic losses as Gaza YMCA building hit

Today we had confirmation that the building of our partner, the Gaza YMCA, was hit at the weekend, resulting in loss of life and injury among the scores of people sheltering there. We will bring you further details as soon as we can. The World YMCA have issued a statement in which it said:

“The YMCA has always been a place of welcome, service – and opportunity – for everyone in its community. The World YMCA strongly condemns this horrific attack on civilians and calls on the Israeli government  to stop its acts of indiscriminate violence which can only deepen division and which are causing such trauma. Violence begets violence. End it now. At Christmas time, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, we continue to pray – to plead – for peace in people’s hearts.”

19 DECEMBER

Al-Ahli Hospital forcibly shut down

We are extremely distressed to hear that Al-Ahli Hospital has been left unable to function as a hospital, following IDF action yesterday.

We have been told that the wall of Ahli’s front entrance has been destroyed and an IDF tank parked in the rubble to stop people going in and out.

The IDF have detained most of the hospital staff. Only two junior doctors, four nurses and two janitors remain, to tend over 100 seriously wounded patients and there is now no running water and no electricity.

17 DECEMBER

Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza Comes Under Fire

We are deeply shocked and distressed at the completely unjustified attack at the weekend on Christians in Gaza sheltering in the Holy Family church.

We join Patriarch Pizzaballa in extending condolences to the bereaved. We stand in heartfelt solidarity with all who are being subjected to this terrifying ordeal and indiscriminate killing. Please continue to pray and join us in calling for an immediate ceasefire.

The Patriarch of Jerusalem issued a statement, reproduced below. Tim Livesey, CEO of Embrace, spoke to Premier Christian Radio in response to this incident. You can listen to his interview here.

15 DECEMBER

An Update from Bethlehem

All the Christmas festivities across the West Bank have been cancelled. Instead, the birth of Christ will be marked with solemn prayer and mourning for the ongoing war in Gaza as well as the crisis in the West Bank. Our partners in Bethlehem, usually the centre of Christmas festivities, tells us what it’s like there today - take a look at our latest blog.

14 DECEMBER

Despite the grave risk involved, the World Health Organisation managed to visit Al Ahli Hospital on 9 December to deliver desperately needed medicines. However, serious incidents that happened during this mission prompted the WHO to reiterate its call for the protection of humanitarian space in Gaza.

The WHO report is now available and can be viewed here.  Please be aware that it makes for very disturbing reading.

11 DECEMBER

An update from Israel

“Giving up on reconciliation abandons my dignity and humanity at a time when political and religious leaders are pushing us down the path of hatred and destruction” - Hear from Daniel Munayer, Executive Director, and Wasim Nasser, Programs Manager at Musalaha, in our latest blog: ‘Is Reconciliation still possible in Israel-Palestine’.

An update from the West Bank

Our partner the East Jerusalem YMCA tell us that the increased violence in the West Bank means the situation there continues to be incredibly tough. They are continuing help those directly affected by the violence, but the conditions and level of need are making their work very difficult:

“Our team is in the field every day, responding diligently to the emergencies that arise from the daily raids, offering Psychosocial First Aid and interventions. Unfortunately, as the need grows daily, our current staff can only do so much. We often find ourselves stretched thin and require for additional hands to meet this escalating need for interventions. It's a tough reality, but we remain fully committed.

Moving around between cities has become a real challenge as well, due to roadblocks, checkpoints, and heightened danger on the road. To adapt, we've turned to technology to deliver some of our interventions, especially for those beneficiaries living farther away from our field offices or staff.”

They also tell us that the movement restrictions and lack of international visitors are having a significant impact on the economic situation. Tourism makes up a key part of the West Bank economy, particularly around Christmas, but the Christmas celebrations have been cancelled this year. Many workers have been made either permanently or temporarily redundant.

7 DECEMBER

Significant damage to two medical clinics in Gaza

We have received the following update from our partner the DSPR:

“Unfortunately, our medical centre in the Al-Daraj area has been levelled to the ground. The primary health care clinics, the pharmacy, the physiotherapy, the optical and the dental clinics and the psychosocial unit, do not exist anymore. Nobody from our staff was there but unfortunately tens of neighbours who used to be our clients were killed and injured in that bombardment.  

Nevertheless, our staff are proceeding in response to the huge needs and to reduce the pain and suffering of the people in Gaza; we are proud of them, we believe that they are real heroes, they are standing for care and support, working days and nights while trying to take care of their family members and themselves.”

Now they are mainly working with displaced families in the south of the Gaza Strip:

·        Running psychological interventions for children and mothers, as well as fun activities for children, to help alleviate the psychological pressure they have as a result of their traumatic experiences

·        Distributing hygiene kits and organising health awareness sessions

·        Providing primary health care services, including distributing some medicines at their DSPR-NECC Rafah Clinic

The below video shows one of the sessions the DSPR have been running for displaced children in Khan Younis.

Caritas Jerusalem have told us that during the truce they had been able to provide primary healthcare services in three different locations in south Gaza and also secure and distribute canned food, water and some medicines. However, the renewed fighting means they have once again had to cease all their activities as it is too dangerous.

They also report that their medical centre in Gaza City has sustained significant damage and is partially destroyed due to shelling that took place in the surrounding area.

1 DECEMBER

Embrace joins Christian leaders in continuing to call for a ceasefire

This week, whilst the temporary truce was still holding, Embrace the Middle East joined church and Christian civil society leaders in the UK, the US, Ireland, the global south and elsewhere in reiterating calls for a permanent ceasefire with the release of all hostages and criticising inaction and prevarication by parts of the international community.

The letter was sent to the UK Prime Minister and to the Foreign Secretary. You can read the text in full here.

30 NOVEMBER

Al Ahli Hospital Update

We received the following update about the situation at Al Ahli Hospital:

“Thanks to the ceasefire, the World Health Organization (WHO) was able to oversee a delivery to the hospital, which remains the only functional medical centre in the northern part of Gaza. Among the items delivered were fuel for the generators, anaesthesia, ICU supplies, emergency drugs, and IV fluids. The WHO also reported that the hospital is filled with hundreds of injured patients, with St. Philip's Chapel being used to accommodate the massive overflow. The majority of cases are severe and need more advanced care and surgical intervention. Although volunteer doctors and nurses have responded to appeals for help, Ahli is still in need of additional vascular, neuro, and orthopaedic surgeons, as well as more drugs and medical supplies to meet the demand. Please continue to pray for this situation, as well as for continued calm so that the flow of supplies and emergency assistance can reach those wounded who remain in such desperate need.”

28 NOVEMBER

Gaza Update - Glimmers of hope in the darkness

A truce was agreed between Israel and Hamas on 24 November. Both sides initially agreed to a four-day break in fighting, which has since been extended by a further two days. Anything short of a full ceasefire is inadequate to mount a full response to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. However, the pause in fighting has brought a sense of relief to Embrace’s partners and is allowing them to take action and serve their communities:

Al Ahli Hospital has been able to procure much-needed medical supplies, as some suppliers have managed to make the trip to the north. Also, 17 of their patients were safely transported to the European hospital in Khan Younis on 27 November.

DSPR have managed to get 300 food parcels to the Latin church in Gaza City and are currently procuring more to send to the Orthodox Church. Sadly, they have sustained huge damages to their building and a lot of their stock, including fuel, has been taken. Despite this, they are planning mental health and psychosocial support responses, and have already run some art therapy sessions in local schools with children aged 5-9. They are also planning to run health awareness sessions and distribute hygiene kits in some of the camps and neighbourhoods in Rafah, in coordination with the UNWRA, and have started basic health checks and clinics in one of the hospitals in the south. They hope this will continue, but it depends on the security situation.

Caritas Jerusalem and the Palestinian Bible Society have also been working on getting supplies to those sheltering in the churches in Gaza City, including blankets and clothing. Like DSPR, Caritas has sustained huge damages to its building - but it has managed to gather some medical and fuel supplies, and take them to the Latin church. Caritas has also been running mobile clinics in the south and staff are providing primary healthcare support where they can. The stories of people turning up to work are incredible and humbling - one nurse lost 13 members of her family, yet still came to treat people at the clinics over the weekend.

Prayer points:

• Please pray that the temporary truce will develop into a longer-term ceasefire.

• Please pray for the staff at our partner organisations in Gaza. Many of their homes have been completely destroyed, and entire families have been displaced. There is a huge amount of uncertainty about what the future holds.

22 NOVEMBER

An update from Lebanon

The skirmishes on the Israel/Lebanon border have forced people on both sides to flee their homes. One of our partners in Lebanon sent us this video:

To find out more about what’s been happening in Lebanon and the response of our Christian partners there, read our latest blog - Will there be a war in Lebanon?

A Tragic Loss

We mourn the loss of 35-year-old Issam Abedrabbo, a dedicated pharmacist working for our partner Caritas Jerusalem since 2019, who was killed yesterday alongside his two sons in a devastating bombardment. Issam had sought refuge in what was deemed a safe location in Wadi Gaza.

Miraculously, his 3-year-old daughter survived, but Issam’s mother, sisters, and brother all perished as did other families, as the building housed numerous civilians. Other family members and residents remain trapped under the rubble. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families during this heart-breaking time.

21 NOVEMBER

News from Gaza City

There is an estimated 700,000 people still in the north of Gaza. As the weather gets colder, clothing is of real concern for many families. There are reports of people removing clothes from corpses because they are desperate.

Below are some updates from our partners:

Updates from the churches

The churches do have some food and are managing it well, but water is a concern as fuel to the pump is limited and the water they do have isn't entirely clean.

A house was bombed across the street from the Latin church, killing four people. Shrapnel from the bombing injured three people sheltering in the church compound.

Al Ahli Hospital

The hospital remains open with very limited capacity (in the region of 45 beds). Staff are mainly triaging patients and transferring them to other hospitals in the south of Gaza.

Gaza YMCA

People are still taking shelter in the Gaza YMCA building. There have been reports that it is now under siege, possibly damaged, and that some people there have been injured.

17 NOVEMBER

Al Ahli Hospital Update

It has been reported that Al Ahli Hospital is no longer is no longer able to receive patients and has stopped all operations, meaning there is now no a functioning hospital in Gaza City. Embrace has issued a statement in response.

READ LATEST EMBRACE STATEMENT

16 NOVEMBER

Prayers Urgently Needed

We have heard that there is fighting close to the Catholic church in Gaza. Please pray for physical protection and also for hope for everyone sheltering.

15 NOVEMBER

An Update from the Catholic Church in Gaza

Many Christian families are still sheltering in the Catholic Church in Gaza City. We heard the tragic news that one member of the community, 84-year-old Elham Farah, a retired music teacher, was shot and killed near the church on Sunday. She had left the church to go and see if her home had survived the airstrikes. Intense bombing meant those in the church could not come to her aid, and she died in the street.

Her death is yet another tragic loss in a community struggling to survive. Her niece posted a tribute to her on X (formally Twitter) saying, “She was so cute and nice, and continued to send me Bible verses and worship songs this week with what little electricity she had.”

A video of a recent service at the Catholic Church shows how close the airstrikes have been and how terrifying it must be to be there:

14 NOVEMBER

An Update from Al-Ahli Hospital

The health service system across Gaza is in a state of total collapse. Al-Ahli Arab Hospital is now the only functioning hospital in Gaza City and is receiving wounded patients from all over the city. The staff are working around the clock as they battle to save those they can, but they are lacking basic medical supplies and are facing overwhelming numbers in need of treatment. They told us:

“Other hospitals are no longer functioning due to the damage caused by the airstrikes as well as the lack of fuel. The staff continues to implement a 24-hour emergency response plan to meet the increasing number of wounded and traumatized. Currently, the hospital treats around 200 to 250 wounded per day and is performing up to 10 surgical operations per day, mostly in orthopaedics and plastic surgery.”

Embrace is providing funds for medicines for the hospital and so far they have been able to procure three deliveries of medicines and medical supplies from the Red Cross/Red Crescent and UNRWA, which are the only agencies allowed by the IDF to get humanitarian aid into Gaza City. However, supplies are still critically low – particularly anaesthesia, antibiotics, surgical supplies, food and fuel.

The need for additional staff to cope with the increase in patients is critical and we are proud that your donations are also being used to pay for some of these staff, ensuring the continuation of life-saving services to civilians in Gaza City.

10 NOVEMBER

We heard today that those sheltering in the churches in Gaza City were able to replenish some of their supplies yesterday, although they are still very low and potable water is a problem. They told us: “Things are deteriorating and supplies are diminishing or getting non-existent.” The displaced in both churches have rationed food to only one meal per day.

9 NOVEMBER

An Update from Gaza City

Communication blackouts mean it is now hard to speak with our partners in Gaza City. The last communication was on Tuesday evening (7 November) – a short message from those sheltering in the churches to say they were still alive, but that food and water would only last another three days. If they have not managed to source more supplies, their stores could run out today. Meanwhile all around them a major military offensive is under way. It is hard to imagine how terrifying this must be.

Al-Ahli Arab Hospital is still operational but with limited medical supplies, water and fuel. The hospital still has patients, medical staff, and internally displaced people sheltering there. Five Christians, injured when part of the Greek Orthodox Church collapsed due to a nearby airstrike, continue to receive care there.

An Update from Jerusalem and the West Bank

Our partner The Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre (JPBC) provides specialist support for children with disabilities in Palestine. Since 7 October, the movement restrictions have meant the majority of their patients have not been able to travel to the centre. To ensure they still get the support and treatment they need, the centre has provided consultations and therapy sessions online. They tell us:

One month on, even as we mourn with you all the lives lost and communities broken in these lands, our centre in Jerusalem is open and reaching those children and families that we can, in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

·      We delivered Telemedicine services to 100 families in the West Bank currently unable to travel to Jerusalem

·      We delivered residential services to 7 children with disabilities and their mothers who were able to cross the checkpoints to reach our centre

The centre had recently opened a new unit in Gaza, in Al Ahli Hospital. The unit was damaged in the explosion of 17 October, but not destroyed, and the four staff and their families who are in Gaza remain safe so far. The JPBC remain committed to providing services in Gaza and plan to repair and reopen the unit when the fighting stops.

3 NOVEMBER

An update from the Orthodox Church in Gaza City

As the IDF close in around Gaza City, around 500 people remain sheltering inside the Orthodox Church in the city. In the latest update from them we heard that they continue, in extremely difficult circumstances, to help one another to meet the basic needs for survival and try to hold onto hope:

• The clergy are organising daily prayers and special spiritual gatherings

• Those who come from education and social work backgrounds have been taking care of the children's needs and organizing, when possible, some activities.

• In the small community are 4 doctors, 2 nurses and a pharmacist who now form the medical committee and have been actively helping with daily checkups and prescriptions and tending to minor injuries and dressing wounds.

• The youth have been very helpful; their role has been to find available food and water in the surrounding markets or shops. They succeeded in restoring some food and water supplies - enought for around 10 days. They also managed to transfer basic tools and machines from a local bakery to help prepare bread. The youth even brought gas cylinders from their homes to be used as a resource of power for cooking.
  
  Lack of water is still a significant problem. On 31 October, one out of the three water supply lines from Israel, servicing the Middle area, was restored for the first time since it was cut off on 8 October. However, neither the water desalination plant nor the Israeli pipeline supplying Gaza City and northern Gaza are operational. While UNRWA and UNICEF have provided limited amounts of fuel to several water wells, water is provided by trucks only. In recent days, water trucking activities inside Gaza stopped due to ongoing military operations.

An update from Israel and Jerusalem

Our partner Musalaha works across Israel, Jerusalem and the West Bank to bring Israelis and Palestinians together to work towards a just peace. They tell us:

“Each Monday since October 7, the Musalaha staff team has been meeting online, gathering from far corners of the land – Haifa, the Golan, Nazareth, Jerusalem, and Beit Sahur. As tragedy upon tragedy unfolds before us, most of our projects have been paused, but the responsibility of caring for participants and standing for reconciliation has been more important than ever.”

Their staff report that the sense of fear and tension across the region is huge:

“The atmosphere changes in Jerusalem. There’s the weight of “being watched”. The streets are emptier than normal. Police and military patrol back and forth… For young Palestinians living inside Israel, remaining indoors reduces the likelihood of being stopped and searched in the streets. Any social media engagement showing solidarity with Gaza is cause for arrest. This surveillance is causing us all to reassess what we post and where we show our face.”

In response, the staff are gathering together weekly to lament the injustice and suffering, telling us:

“When we gather on Zoom each Monday, there has been a spirit of solidarity that makes room for the heaviness of our different realities. In our silent listening, we hold each other’s fear and sorrow, grieving all that is unjust and threatens the goodness of humanity. As we hold the uncertainty of the future, for now, this is a time for lament. And we hope you join us.”

1 NOVEMBER

An update from those sheltering in the Catholic church in Gaza City

We’ve received the below video from our partners Caritas Jerusalem. George, one of Caritas’ staff, is sheltering in the Catholic church in Gaza City with his family. He tells us that nights have become unbearable and they have had little sleep for over 21 days.

“Life has become incredibly challenging and harsh…we feel incredibly vulnerable. We’ve come to believe there is no safe place in Gaza… We live under constant fire, filled with terror and fear.”

They are looking after a significant number of injured – and have managed to acquire hospital beds and some medical supplies for them and have set up Caritas medical clinics in the two churches. But diseases are spreading rapidly due to the cramped conditions and limited resources, particularly water. He asks us:

“Please keep us in your prayers. Stand by our side, even if communication is lost again…We feel like we’ve died while still alive. Please pray for us, stand with us and support us.”

Arab Orthodox Cultural Centre destroyed in air strike

Today we heard the distressing and profoundly shocking news that the Orthodox Church’s Arab Orthodox Cultural Centre in Gaza has been deliberately destroyed in an air strike.  There were no casualties, as the 3,000 people sheltering there were told to leave in advance.  Joseph Hazboun, regional director of the Pontifical Mission which works in partnership with the Centre, as does Embrace and a sister NGO in the UK Friends of the Holy Land (FHL), told us:

“Two days ago, the Director of the Arab Orthodox Cultural Center (AOCC) in Gaza received a phone call from the Israelis inquiring about the center's occupants. They were told that there over 3,000 displaced families sheltering at the center. Another phone call later gave clear orders to evacuate the building; all those sheltering at the center immediately left. Several attempts by various parties were made in order to stop the bombing. Unfortunately, last evening the building was bombed.”

The AOCC was a particularly impressive and important building opened only four years ago with a specific mission to facilitate social change and development, creativity and leadership in Palestinian society. Embrace and Friends of the Holy Land, in partnership with the Pontifical Mission, have invested significantly in this new venture, which was successfully employing 23 young people, who were trained and supported through this partnership. The AOCC was on course to become a self-sustaining success story - generating income, providing employment, delivering a wide range of services, and providing a place for the local community to meet.  It is hard to understand why a Christian institution serving the common good in Gaza would be targeted and destroyed.

27 OCTOBER

Al Ahli Hospital Update

Despite the two explosions that hit Al Ahli Hospital last week, causing significant damage to its infrastructure and medical equipment (as well as killing and injuring hundreds of civilians), the hospital staff are continuing to provide urgent medical care to those in need.

The hospital’s burns care unit is receiving hundreds of people, mainly children, with severe burns resulting from the war. Similarly, the physical rehabilitation department is receiving hundreds of people, mainly children, and expects to receive thousands more in the coming weeks – resulting from broken bones and severe wounds.

Disturbingly, a secondary crisis is emerging – again mainly affecting children – as a result of the proliferation of waterborne diseases due to poor sanitary conditions, a lack of clean water and food shortages. Admissions for these diseases, including diarrhoea, chest infections and scabies, have reached 150 per day.

The hospital has also opened its doors to the family members of the wounded who are desperate because they have nowhere else to go. Care is being provided to these family members, including food, shelter and psychosocial support.

PARTNER UPDATES 24 OCTOBER

Gaza Update

The situation in Gaza is desperate. The UNRWA has warned that it could be forced to end operations in Gaza ‘as of tomorrow night’ if more fuel doesn’t arrive.

We continue to stay in contact with our partners in Gaza, despite frequent power outages and increasingly difficult circumstances. Most of our partners are sheltering in the two churches in Gaza City: the Latin church and the Greek Orthodox church.

Some have moved to the Latin church from the Orthodox church after the deadly strike on 19 October, which caused part of the building to collapse, along with many deaths and injuries. There are now upwards of 700 people in the Latin church, but these numbers are changing every day.

Our partners are still serving and distributing supplies to those in need. This is becoming more difficult, as the depleted stocks in Gaza continue to diminish.

Al Ahli Hospital is still functioning, but currently for emergency cases only.

“The number of casualties is accelerating, the basic needs for life is almost exhausted, and the news about water and food arriving to Gaza are not even a drop in a sea of needs, as it’s not reaching people and according to UN-OCHA it’s less than 3% of the daily consumption of the commodities in Gaza.”

– Update from Nader Abu Amsha, Executive Secretary of Embrace partner, DSPR-MECC

“Drinkable water is running out. For the thirteenth consecutive day (since 11 October), Gaza has been under a full electricity black-out, following Israel’s halt of its electricity and fuel supply to Gaza, which in turn triggered the shutdown of Gaza’s sole power plant. This has forced essential service infrastructure to rely on backup generators, which are limited by the scarcity of fuel in the Strip. Aid deliveries entering Gaza have not included fuel.”

– Update from Caritas Jerusalem

West Bank Update

Life is incredibly difficult for people in the West Bank.

The West Bank has been in a de facto lockdown since 7 October, with severe restrictions on movement; people cannot travel between major cities or in and out of the West Bank.

There has been an increase in violence over the past few weeks – at least 90 Palestinians have been killed, including many children and teenagers, and hundreds have been injured and detained.

“Every number represents a person – it’s someone’s child, it’s someone’s parents, someone’s sibling – and the reality of what they are living through is harrowing.”

– David, Programmes and Partnerships Manager for the West Bank

Against this backdrop, things are extremely challenging for our partners – the majority have had their activities paused or moved their activities online. Their current focus is on keeping staff and beneficiaries safe, but also on being creative and finding ways to continue doing their work.

Israel Update

Our partner, Aviv Ministry, is based in Tel Aviv but also has a shelter in Ashkelon, just 10km from the Israel-Gaza border. Approximately 100 rockets have come into Ashkelon since 7 October, and there is a lot of fear among the local population. Many people are sheltering in bomb shelters or at home, and many are unable to go out to purchase their basic needs. Aviv has pivoted its focus; it has been cooking and distributing hot meals to bomb shelters and to the homes of vulnerable people, including the elderly and people with disabilities.

PARTNER UPDATES 20 OCTOBER

An update from the Greek Orthodox Church

As you will have seen on the news, sadly last night Saint Porphyrius Church in Gaza City was damaged as a result of nearby shelling. 400-500 people have been sheltering in the precincts of the church for the last two weeks. Tragically a number of people have been killed and injured and there is significant damage to the building. It’s believed that there are still people trapped under the rubble.

One of those killed was one of our partners’ staff. She was only 26 and was killed along with her husband and toddler. Another lost both his parents and his sister is injured. We mourn deeply their loss and the loss of all of the innocent civilians killed since this conflict began.

This video was sent to us by our partner Caritas Jerusalem. (Warning: the scenes depicted are distressing.)

PARTNER UPDATES 19 OCTOBER

An update from those sheltering in the churches

“We feel terrified”

Almost 800 people are sheltering in Gaza City’s two main churches. George is one of them, sheltering in the Latin church. He tells us he and his family have been there for two weeks. His neighbourhood has been destroyed in the bombing and he, his three daughters and everyone in the church are very scared of what will happen next. You can listen to what George told us below:

“We need to provide them with food and water”

With others in the church, George is helping to organise vital supplies - providing food, water, hygiene materials and medicine for those sheltering there. He tells us that they have a small medical clinic in the church and contingency plans for if they need to evacuate.

Al Ahli Hospital Latest

We have been in contact with staff at the hospital who have told us:

“For the time being we have moved our patients to neigbouring hospitals. The hospital will not close but a lot of repairs need to be done. The emergency room is still open and will continue to provide emergency services that can be provided.”

PARTNER UPDATES 18 OCTOBER

Al Ahli Hospital Tragedy

The Diocese of Jerusalem, which runs Al Ahli Hospital, have issued this statement in response to yesterday’s events. They say:

‘In the strongest terms, the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem condemns this atrocious attack that has transpired in the heart of Gaza. Initial reports suggest the loss of countless lives, a manifestation of what can only be described as a crime against humanity. Hospitals, by the tenets of international humanitarian law, are sanctuaries, yet this assault has transgressed those sacred boundaries…

Regrettably, Gaza remains bereft of safe havens. The devastation witnessed, coupled with the sacrilegious targeting of the church, strikes at the very core of human decency. We assert unequivocally that this is deserving international condemnation and retribution. An urgent appeal resonates for the international community to fulfill its duty in protecting civilians and ensuring that such inhumane horrific acts are not replicated…’

You can also read Embrace’s Statement in Response to the Al Ahli Tragedy.

The Archbishop of Canterbury also issued a statement, saying the attack “violates the sanctity and dignity of human life” and that “The bloodshed, slaughter and suffering of innocent people on all sides must stop.” You can find reports of the tragedy in the Church Times and Anglican News.

PARTNER UPDATES 17 OCTOBER

Tragedy at Al Ahli Hospital - HOSPITAL SUFFERS DIRECT HIT

We’re devastated to pass on the news that Al Ahli Hospital has this evening taken a direct hit. Early reports estimate hundreds dead - many women and children - and thousands injured. We’ll pass on more details as soon as we have them.

Update from Gaza

We have received an update on the number of people sheltering in the various Christian buildings around Gaza City. At the moment, there are around 800 in the two main churches, 5,000 at Al Ahli Hospital and at least a further 3,250 at the other Christian-run institutions.

The Christian community is continuing to work hard, under life-threatening conditions, to source food, potable water, emergency medical kits and fire extinguishers from within Gaza (external aid still cannot get into Gaza). They are organising the distribution of meals and also prioritising caring for the sick and elderly.

Update from Bethlehem

Our partners in Bethlehem say that the town remains very isolated. Only a couple of the ways in and out of the town have been reopened and not everyone is being allowed through. Three rockets landed round Bethlehem yesterday.

PARTNER UPDATES 16 OCTOBER

Al Ahli Hospital update

There are still many people in northern Gaza who are unable to evacuate to the south. There are currently 5,000 people, patients and those who have nowhere else to go, sheltering at Al Ahli Hospital. Parts of the building were hit and damaged by an airstrike on Saturday evening.

The hospital does have an underground water supply and electricity from solar panels, but that does not supply enough electricity to cover their needs. They tell us that the fuel reserves they have will run out within 24 hours.

An update from those sheltering in the churches

There are now around 800 people sheltering in the Latin and Orthodox Churches in Gaza City. Our partners at the DSPR tell us that:

“The situation on the ground has deteriorated to an unimaginable extent. The number of casualties is rapidly growing to unprecedented levels, the huge destruction is hard to believe… Today, the situation took a terrifying turn as phosphorus bombs landed close to the church. These devastating bombs struck the church cemetery, a few meters away from the Orthodox Church.”

Those sheltering in the churches do currently have food and water, but they tell us that their need for basic supplies and medical supplies is reaching a critical level and there is no longer internet connection. Groups of women in both churches are cooking for all and a men’s group is organising logistics and trying to source more supplies. Some additional supplies have been located but so far they have been unable to fetch them because of the airstrikes.  

They ask us:

“We earnestly request your support in calling for opening a real Humanitarian Corridor, rather than a forced displacement plan to Egypt under fire, and to advocate for an immediate ceasefire. The need for these cannot be emphasized enough. The lives of our colleagues and all other innocent individuals in Gaza are under serious threat, and the urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. Our collective efforts can make a significant difference in the lives of those trapped in this nightmarish situation. Please leverage your influence and pressure for immediate cease fire.”

We urge you to write to your MP and call for the British Government to do more to protect Gaza’s civilians. You can find a template letter on the Balfour Project website.

Update from Jerusalem and the West Bank

Our partners tell us that the situation in the West Bank and Jerusalem remains extremely tense. Travel around the West Bank is uncertain and checkpoints are closed. The Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre reports that their patients from the West Bank cannot get to them as they are not being allowed to enter Jerusalem. Where possible, they are conducting online sessions to continue treatment.

PARTNER UPDATES 15 OCTOBER

Update from Gaza

This morning on BBC Radio 4, presenter Ed Stourton spoke with two Christians in Palestine: Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Embrace partner Nader Abu Amsha, Head of the Dept for Services to Palestinian Refugees arm of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC).

Approximately 800 of Gaza’s small Christian population (~80% of the total number) are taking refuge in the two main church compounds in Gaza City (the Catholic church and the Greek Orthodox church). Many of their homes have been destroyed and, along with the other residents, they have received an evacuation order from the Israeli army - but there is nowhere to go.

Cardinal Pizzaballa said: “To remain would be a danger … but the borders are closed and there is no other place to go … We have called for a day of fasting and prayer for peace and justice – it is the only thing we can do right now.”

Nader said: “We are hearing horrible news and sad stories of pain and death, and the attacks of the residential areas where they are living.”

Listen back to the full interviews on BBC Sounds and play from 6.25-10.10.

PARTNER UPDATES 14 OCTOBER

Al Ahli Hospital update

Al Ahli Hospital’s Diagnostic Cancer Treatment Centre was hit by Israeli rocket fire at 7.30pm local time. The strike severely damaged the two upper floors, including the Ultrasound and Mammography wards. Four of the hospital staff working there were injured in the blast and received treatment.

PARTNER UPDATES 13 OCTOBER

“Where can we go?”

Gazans have been warned by Israel to leave Gaza City and move south, but our partners tell us this is impossible. Some families are moving, but most have nowhere to go. The majority of Christian families are still sheltering in the churches. They are running out of supplies and are rationing their consumption. They don’t have enough mattresses so are prioritising the most vulnerable.

We spoke directly to one of our partners on the ground there. This is what he told us:

Al Ahli Hospital update

Al Ahli Hospital is also located in Gaza City. They have not told us of any plans to evacuate but say that the staff are still working around the clock providing treatment and emergency interventions for the wounded and burnt people.

Al Ahli Hospital is run by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, who told us:

”The situation is getting much worse than ever, we need campaigns to allow for the humanitarian aid to get to Gaza and stop the incursion. There is no water, no food, no electricity, no fuel, no shelters, chronic people need medicines. The needs are massive at Ahli hospital to meet the crushing flow of injured and traumatized. We will send items to our hospital through the Humanitarian agencies as soon as they are allowed to get into Gaza.”

PARTNER UPDATES 10 OCTOBER

Updates from Israel

In Israel, our partners are still trying to come to terms with the shock of the attacks and with the ongoing kidnap situation. They ask us:

“Please do keep praying for Israel! Our nation is bleeding. We are very grateful that you are thinking and praying about us. Israel will never be the same after this war.”

Updates from Gaza

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. Gaza's sole power plant has run out of fuel, which only leaves generators for power, but fuel is in short supply. Airstrikes have caused a huge amount of damage and killed over 1,200 people.

Our partner the Pontifical Mission reports that:

“Telecommunication installations and mobile communication lines have been targeted and basic needs like food and water are becoming inaccessible by the day. Sewage lines and infrastructure have been damaged.”

Al Ahli Hospital

Al Ahli Hospital is still open, providing emergency healthcare as solar panels mean it still has electricity. Like every other medical facility in Gaza, it is packed with injured people and all healthcare institutions across Gaza are now experiencing shortages of drugs and medical supplies.

Suhaila Tarazi, Director of Al Ahli Hospital, told our friends, the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem:

“At this stage, our only hope is in God for a miracle in the midst of this scenery of death.”

Churches and Christian Centres are Providing Shelter

Nowhere is really safe in Gaza, but over 3,000 people are sheltering in churches and Christian centres. The Latin and Orthodox Churches are hosting close to 400 people. To date, the compounds of the churches and the area surrounding them has not been subject to airstrikes. However, most of the buildings in the neighbourhood has been damaged.

Schools are also being used as shelter, but our partner Caritas Jerusalem tells us that so far three UNRWA schools have been destroyed.

Facilities Damaged and Homes Destroyed

The physical damage to Gaza is immense. Some of our partner centres have been damaged and several of their staff have lost their homes in the bombing.

 Updates from Jerusalem and the West Bank

Our partners in the West Bank tell us that the situation there is deteriorating. There have been violent clashes and the Israeli army has imposed severe movement restrictions.

Our friends at Anar tell us:

“Since October 7th, 26 people have lost their lives, and 427 individuals have sustained injuries. Several towns, including Bethlehem, are completely under lockdown by the Israeli military, preventing the movement of both people and goods between cities. If this blockade continues, there is a looming threat of shortages in basic supplies, including fuel, in the West Bank.”

Our partner Caritas Jerusalem reports:

“The old city in Jerusalem is like a ghost town. It is very tense and dangerous. All schools are closed, restaurants and recreation is closed. The tourists are gone. The Nativity church in Bethlehem is empty, last week it was full, now there is no one.”