The UK Foreign Minister and the Archbishop of York have condemned an Israeli airstrike on Gaza’s Al Ahli Hospital, calling for an end to attacks on medical facilities.
The Anglican-run hospital, located in Gaza City, was hit on Palm Sunday, damaging its surgical units and A&E department.
The Diocese of Jerusalem - who oversees the hospital - reported that the strike destroyed key medical facilities, damaged nearby buildings including St Philip’s Church, and forced a rushed evacuation just 20 minutes before the bombing. While there were no direct casualties from the strike, a child with a head injury died due to the evacuation.
The diocese called the attack shocking, urging world governments to act to protect humanitarian sites and end the ongoing violence.
This is the fifth time the hospital has been struck since the war began, according to the diocese.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the attack as “deplorable”.
He said: "Al-Ahli Hospital has been attacked repeatedly since the conflict began. These deplorable attacks must end. Diplomacy - not more bloodshed - is how we will achieve a lasting peace.”
The Archbishop of York said the strike was “especially appalling” given its timing on Palm Sunday, and joined global Christian voices in calling for peace and justice for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Speaking to Premier, Fr Fadi Diab, the hospital’s vice-chair, said they are committed to rebuilding and continuing their work despite the repeated attacks.
"Beyond being an attack on a medical facility, it was also an attack on the spirit and joy of the Christian community - especially on that day. That’s how we woke up on Sunday morning: not preparing to go to church, not dressing up or marching with the children to celebrate Palm Sunday, but instead facing devastating news.
"We were heartbroken by this terrible strike on the hospital. But we are a people of faith, of hope, and of the resurrected Lord. We choose to believe in life, not death."
He added: "The mission of the hospital will go on. And when the time comes, it will be rebuilt. The community will rise again, and the ministry will continue to serve the poor, the vulnerable, and all those in need in the Gaza Strip."