Al Ahli Hospital, Gaza City

Even before the escalation of violence on 7 October 2023, the health service in Gaza was overwhelmed and overburdened. Al Ahli Anglican Hospital has long been a beacon of light, providing vital free treatment, diagnosis and onward referral to people in Gaza living with chronic medical conditions.

Over the past year, Al Ahli Hospital has been stretched almost to breaking point - and yet, despite the trauma and exhaustion, the staff have continued to serve patients faithfully. They have treated thousands of innocent casualties of war, often without enough surgical equipment, medication, electricity or even food.

This week marks one year since the courtyard at Al Ahli was hit by an explosion that killed and injured hundreds. In December 2023, the hospital was raided by the IDF, and many staff were arrested and subjected to interrogation before being released.

In recent weeks, Al Ahli has once again become a main responder to the increased violence currently playing out in the north of Gaza. It is taking the dead and injured from Al Shati camp, as well as patients from the three hospitals in the north. It is short on blood, medicines and food.

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, and for justice and peace to prevail.

We lift before you the staff and patients at Al Ahli 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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