Al Ahli, Gaza City

Even before the current conflict, the health service in Gaza was overwhelmed and overburdened. Al Ahli Anglican Hospital provided vital free treatment, diagnosis and onward referral to people in Gaza living with chronic medical conditions, who would have otherwise struggled to access care.

This week, we received distressing news from the Diocese of Jerusalem that Al Ahli has now been left unable to function as a hospital following IDF action. The wall of the front entrance to the hospital has been destroyed by a tank and most of the staff have been detained. A small handful of junior staff have been left to care for over 100 seriously wounded patients.

Please keep the patients and staff in your prayers at this time.

Bible reading

‘Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord?

Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever!

Why do you hide your face?

Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?

For our soul is bowed down to the dust; our belly clings to the ground.

Rise up; come to our help!

Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!’

Psalm 44: 23-26

Prayer

Loving God,

We cry out to you for the people of Gaza. We pray for an end to the violence and bloodshed – for an unequivocal ceasefire and the resumption of aid.

We lift before you the staff and patients at Al Ahli Hospital. We pray for your protection on those who have been detained. We pray for the staff and patients left in the hospital – may they know your comforting presence at this distressing time. Against all the odds, we pray that you would supply their needs.

We continue to pray for a safe and prosperous tomorrow for all Palestinians and Israelis, a future of equal rights for all and an end to the occupation.

We pray for ourselves – that we may resist hatred, stand for justice and continue to have confidence in your steadfast love.

We ask all of this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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