The Israeli forces have opened fire inside the compound of Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City this week, killing three journalists and two others, including a father who was accompanying his son to the surgical unit, according to the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.
The attack also left 30 other bystanders wounded, including members of the hospital’s staff.
In a statement, the diocese condemned the assault in the “strongest possible terms” and called on the Israeli Army to “respect the internationally protected sanctity of Ahli Hospital and all other hospitals throughout the Gaza Strip”.
This is not the first time the hospital has come under fire. On Palm Sunday, it was struck in a similar attack, causing damage to the surgical and A&E units and prompting an emergency evacuation. Although there were no direct casualties from that strike, a child with a head injury died during the evacuation process.
Addressing this most recent incident, the diocese reiterated its appeal to the leaders of the international community to "enforce the combatants’ adherence to the Fourth Geneva Convention with respect to its provisions for special protections for hospitals, medical personnel, journalists, and civilians in general”.
The Archbishop of York also condemned the attack, describing it as both “callous” and “reckless”.
“Despite our repeated requests, the Israeli Government has been unable to prove its claims that Al-Ahli Hospital has been used by Hamas,” Most Rev Stephen Cottrell said.
“Instead, this is part of a relentless and outrageous pattern of attacks on hospitals and healthcare facilities in Gaza. There is no justification for this under international humanitarian law.
“These attacks must end,” he added, affirming his support for the calls for “justice, mercy and peace”.
Other Anglican bishops in England, including the Bishop of Chelmsford and the Bishop of Southwark, have also condemned the attack and urged an end to the conflict.
The Diocese of Jerusalem’s statement concluded by asking Christians worldwide to pray for "a speedy end" that leads to "the release of all captives, the more comprehensive treatment of the wounded, the feeding of the desperately hungry, and the rebuilding of the tens of thousands of homes and hundreds of public facilities that have been destroyed". They believe that is the only way healing can begin .