Emergency Updates

A BEACON OF HOPE AMIDST CRISIS: THE AL-AHLI ARAB HOSPITAL IN GAZA

February 23 2024

In the heart of Gaza, amidst the rubble and echoes of conflict, stands the al-Ahli Arab Hospital, a testament to resilience, hope, and unwavering dedication. As the only functioning hospital in the north of Gaza, the al-Ahli Arab Hospital has been a beacon of light for countless families, offering medical care and shelter in times of desperate need. However, today, this beacon flickers amidst unprecedented challenges.

For the first time in its history, the hospital faces a dire situation: zero fuel stock. This unprecedented shortage has massively impacted its ability to function effectively, limiting operations and reducing its capacity to serve those in need. The hospital is managing to perform 13 operations per day and cater to 300 outpatients.

Despite transitioning to solar power, the hospital's efforts to sustain its operations have been hampered, as it currently runs at only 30% capacity. The significance of this cannot be overstated, as the al-Ahli Arab Hospital is the only glimmer of hope for medical assistance in the north of Gaza.

The hospital has been fortunate to receive a good stock of medical supplies last week from the United Palestinian Appeal (UPA), yet the rate of consumption is alarmingly high. This situation is mirrored in the struggle to secure food supplies. With the World Food Programme (WFP) suspending operations in northern Gaza, the hospital has become a sanctuary for many, necessitating a large stock of food to cater to those sheltering within its walls, including all hospital staff and their families. However, the entry of trucks with essential supplies has been significantly limited, further straining the hospital's ability to provide.

Despite these daunting challenges, the spirit of the al-Ahli Arab Hospital remains unbroken. The hospital staff's dedication to serving their community shines as a beacon of hope. Yet, the reality remains that without immediate and substantial support, their ability to continue providing lifesaving care and shelter is in jeopardy.

This is where you can make a difference. The al-Ahli Arab Hospital urgently needs your help to navigate through these trying times. Your donation to our emergency appeal can light the way for the hospital to restore its full capacity, ensuring that it continues to serve as a sanctuary of healing and hope.

January 16 2024

ACFID CALLS FOR CEASEFIRE, HUMANITARIAN ACCESS AND FUNDING, AS FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS MIDDLE EAST 

Tuesday 16^th January, 2024 

One hundred days into the violent conflict in Gaza, Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong is this week making a significant visit to the Middle East.  

Australia's foreign aid and humanitarian sector is urging Minister Wong to use her visit to push for a permanent ceasefire and for immediate humanitarian access. It also calls for Australia to contribute funds proportional to the scale of the humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. 

The human toll of the conflict is staggering:  24,000 people have been killed in Gaza, and 1.9 million - or 85 percent of the population - are displaced. Tens of thousands are injured or maimed. 

The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), the peak body for the aid and humanitarian sector, has a number of member organisations operating in Palestine who say that much-needed humanitarian assistance is not entering Gaza at the necessary pace nor reaching those most in need. 

"This visit is an opportunity for Australia's Foreign Minister to see up close and personal the scale and intensity of the impact of the war," said ACFID's acting CEO, Jessica Mackenzie.  

"Unimpeded humanitarian access should be a non-negotiable to minimise the impact of conflict on civilians, however in this case humanitarian organisations have not been able to provide what is needed," she said.

The United Nations has reported that efforts to send humanitarian convoys to North Gaza have been met with delays and the imposition of impossible conditions, and that there is a paucity of armoured vehicles. (Source: UNOCHA) 

Currently, around 2.2 million people are in crisis or worse levels of acute food insecurity, with one in four facing extreme hunger. (Source: WFP). 

"Australia might be far from the conflict zone, but our voice carries weight. We hope that Australia calls for an unequivocal ceasefire. Doing so would prevent further needless civilian deaths in Gaza," said Ms Mackenzie. 

January 16 2023

Al Ahli Arab Hospital remains one of the only functioning hospitals in Gaza. It continues to be inundated with patients that it struggles to assist. Recently, the hospital was left with a few doctors to treat hundreds of injuries, with new casualties arriving daily. To manage the overflow of patients, the on-site chapel and pharmacy have been converted into war trauma stations.

During the Ceasefire in late November, the hospital was able to obtain critically needed fuel, medicine and medical supplies. However, these supplies have now been used. The Diocese has been able to get funds through to Al Ahli Arab Hospital, which has helped to purchase some supplies through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs; however, trying to obtain regular medical supplies is incredibly challenging.

December 20 2023

Article taken from The Melbourne Anglican Gaza's al-Ahli Hospital shut down by force (melbourneanglican.org.au)

Gaza’s al-Ahli Hospital shut down by force

Elspeth Kernebone

20 December 2023

Anglican Overseas Aid has confirmed reports the Anglican-run al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza has been shut down by force.

Al-Ahli was the last remaining functioning hospital in north Gaza.

AOA chief executive Jo Knight said she received news from the Anglican Alliance that the hospital had been shut down by force.

She said there were patients without water or electricity, and the fate of the staff was of concern.

Ms Knight said it was just awful to hear that it had been shut down, after the staff returned to provide care after the hospital was bombed on Tuesday 17 October.

“They’re just so courageous, so to think that something by force has happened is pretty scary and awful to them,” Ms Knight said.

Ms Knight said she knew many Australian Anglicans had supported, prayed and journeyed with the ministry of the hospital, providing life-giving services in Gaza.

She urged Australians to continue to pray, and called on the Australian government to do everything in their power about the conflict in Gaza.

December 14 2023

‘… WHO staff described Al-Ahli Hospital as in a state of “utter chaos and a humanitarian disaster zone.” It is extremely congested with many displaced people and over 200 patients, while it only has enough resources to support 40 beds – half of its original bed capacity. The building has sustained substantial damage. Doctors... face shortages of fuel, oxygen, and essential medical supplies, as well as a lack of food and water for patients and themselves. Health staff capacity is minimal, nursing care is extremely limited, and the hospital is relying heavily on volunteers. Faced with vast numbers of trauma patients inside the hospital, and outside on the street, doctors are forced to prioritize who receives care and who does not. They are treating many serious cases in the hospital’s corridors, on the floor, in the hospital chapel, and even in the street. The hospital is severely short-staffed, and it is lacking the ability to perform vascular operations. Limb amputations are decided as the last resort to save lives.’

The Diocese of Jerusalem issued a statement on November 13, 2023 updating the current needs of the hospital.

Update on the needs

Immediate needs

The greatest need is for anesthesia, antibiotics, surgical supplies, and food for those being brought into the hospital; Similarly, the need for fuel, Hygiene kits, Food, and potable drinking water for patients and their families and relatives is increasing. The need for additional staff to meet the 24-hour work shifts is rising, particularly in the emergency wards, surgical operations, and burns treatment departments as well as for psychosocial support.

Needs in 3 months

More supplies will be needed to meet the increasing number of wounded, burnt, and traumatized. As well as for the prolonged treatment of wounded, treatment for children with malnutrition, physiotherapy sessions. We need to purchase new medical equipment to replace those that were completely damaged and to fix those that were partially damaged. Renovation of the severely damaged departments and rooms, and a new ambulance to replace the damaged one.

Humanitarian Situation Brief

The ongoing escalation in Gaza is resulting in thousands of causalities. As of October 24, 3 PM, the number of killed is 5,700 Palestinians, of which 2,360 are children and 1,292 are women. The number of injured is 16,000.

About 1.4 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) are estimated in Gaza. Six hospitals were hit and were partially or severely damaged, 69 attacks on health facilities, 34% of the hospitals are not functioning, and 65% of primary healthcare centres are closed. Twenty-four hospitals were requested to evacuate by the IDF. The Hospitals are operating at 150% or more of their capacities (ICUs, corridors, floors, etc.). The Hospitals are on the brink of collapse (shortages of medications, equipment, staff, energy sources, etc.). The targeting and destruction of hospitals and health facilities have resulted in the deaths of thousands of people and depriving the wounded of essential life-saving medical interventions.

The situation at Ahli Arab Hospital

Since the beginning of the crisis, Al-Ahli staff have maintained an around-the-clock presence at the hospital, providing urgent medical care for those physically injured, particularly children who have been traumatized by the violence. In addition, they have received elective cases referred by other hospitals that are overwhelmed with thousands of injured patients. The Burn Care unit has received hundreds of children with severe burns.

On the evening of 14th October, Ahli Hospital's Diagnostic Cancer Treatment Center was hit by Israeli rocket fire. The strike severely damaged two upper floors, including the Ultrasound and Mammography wards. On the evening of 17th October, another explosion hit the Hospital, where hundreds were killed and injured, including children and women. That was the deadliest incident in Gaza since hostilities escalated. In the wake of this incident, the UN Secretary-General called for “an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.”

The two explosions that hit the hospital caused severe damage to the hospital’s ambulance, medical equipment, and diagnostic machines (the Ultrasound, Mammography, ventilation system, an operating theatre table, and an anesthesia machine). In addition, there was damage to the infrastructure of some of the hospital departments, including the diagnostic centre, the ventilation system, the ultrasound room, the Mammography room, the administration and management offices, the hospital entrance and courtyard, the hospital parking, etc.). Moreover, four of the hospital staff who were wounded needed operational surgeries, and two of our staff had their houses demolished.

L to R: Suhaila Tarazi, Hospital Director Administration Room (October 24, 2023), AAH staff performing surgeries (October 23, 2023) (Image quality is poor)

Current Response at Ahli Arab Hospital

Despite the challenges and damages, the hospital staff continues to provide urgent medical care for those physically injured and traumatized. Currently, the Surgical team deals mostly with injuries and trauma, including abdominal, bone, chest, and soft tissue injuries. The Hospital continues to receive elective cases referred by other hospitals that are overwhelmed with thousands of injured patients. The Burn Care unit at Ahli receives hundreds of people, mainly children, with severe burns resulting from the war. Ahli Hospital is receiving hundreds of people, particularly children, at the physical rehabilitation department and expects to receive thousands more within the coming weeks resulting from severe wounds and broken bones in children. Moreover, AAH receives new cases of children affected by inadequate hygiene, partly because of large amounts of refuse not collected, lack of potable drinking water, and food shortages. As a result of these things, children are suffering chest infections, diarrhea, rashes, and scabies. These admissions have averaged 150 cases per day. Ahli Hospital has also opened its doors to the family members of the wounded who are desperate because they have no other place to go. The Hospital has become their refuge of last resort. Care is being provided to these family members (food, lodging, psychosocial, etc.)

Update on the needs

Over the past 3 weeks, the hospital provided treatment and medical interventions to thousands of wounded where most of the medicines, medical supplies, fuel, etc. were heavily consumed. Fortunately, the hospital is among the few that runs partially on solar energy which has enabled the hospital to survive the shortages of fuel. Moreover, thousands need psychosocial support, new medical equipment and devices needed to replace the damaged, rehabilitation care, prolonged treatment for wounded, Hygiene kits, Food and drinking water for patients, staff, and their families. Additional staff is needed for the round-the-clock shifts, Renovation of the severely damaged departments and rooms, and a new ambulance to replace the damaged one.

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October 24th, 2023

The Archbishops of Canterbury and Jerusalem, Hosam Naoum and Justin Welby, have issued a joint emergency appeal for the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. The international appeal calls for prayers and donations not only for the work of the Anglican-run al-Ahli Arab Hospital’s vital work in Gaza, but also for the Diocese of Jerusalem’s ministries throughout the Holy Land which are also being greatly affected by the Israel-Hamas war.

Responding to the appeal, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Jerusalem said: “Thank you again for all your prayers and support during this time of great calamity! Continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and for security for all who dwell in its lands.”

The text of the Archbishops’ joint appeal is reproduced below.

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Dear Friends,

Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

From Archbishop Hosam Naoum:

Just over two weeks ago, the world was horrified at the sudden eruption of war in the Holy Land, resulting in hundreds of deaths, injuries, and displacements. Since that time, those numbers have multiplied into the thousands, as open hostilities have drastically escalated. Innocent civilians, especially women and children, have been caught in the deadly crossfire. As you have probably seen, a massive rocket blast exploded in the midst of our own Ahli Hospital in the heart of Gaza City, tragically killing or seriously wounding hundreds of refugees who had gathered there because they had no other place of shelter in which to go.

Although Ahli’s buildings were heavily damaged, two nights later our devoted staff partially reopened the hospital. In doing this, they demonstrated the determination we have in the Diocese of Jerusalem to persevere in our Christian mission to serve others as though we were serving Christ himself (Matt 25 :31-46). And this is the case not just for Gaza, but throughout all the Holy Land. Yet in order to accomplish this mission in the midst of a devastating war, we need to draw upon the strength of the larger Body of Christ. For we understand that when one member of the Body suffers, all parts suffer (1 Cor 12:26).

And so, my sisters and brothers in Christ, I appeal to you to first of all to pray for our mission here, as well for the peace of Jerusalem (Psa 122:6). Secondly, advocate with your representatives for a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land, so that all who dwell within these lands can live in security.

Finally, if you are able, support our ministries in Gaza, Palestine & Israel, and throughout the Diocese of Jerusalem by contributing financially through one of our international partners.

Thank you for helping us continue the work of our Lord Jesus Christ in the very lands in which he himself ministered in his earthly life before offering up his life on our behalf and then rising again victorious from the grave, overcoming death and giving us hope for a new life. May God bless you.

From Archbishop Justin Welby:

As war devastates the Holy Land, we ask where Christ is to be found amid the cries of His children.

When the lives of the innocent are at risk, we strain our eyes for the light of the One who offers healing, peace, and justice. In Gaza, the Al Ahli hospital, run by the Diocese of Jerusalem, is that light. Despite being hit by rocket fire last week, it is still providing critical care to the injured and anyone in need of medical attention. As health services become even more vital in Gaza, the work of the hospital becomes more difficult for urgent need of medications, equipment and fuel.

Please, continue to pray for those who mourn, those who are in pain, and those who are in fear, and for those who are caring for the injured and bereaved. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says that those who have looked after the sick have cared for Christ himself. I urge everyone, if they are able, to support the Al Ahli Hospital’s work caring for the wounded body of Jesus Christ and contribute to the Gaza Appeal.

The Most Reverend Hosam E. Naoum
The Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem

The Most Reverend Justin Welby
The Archbishop of Canterbury

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October 23rd, 2023 6:00am AEDT

The Archbishop of Canterbury has begun a pastoral visit to Jerusalem, following the explosion at the Anglican Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza.

The intention of the short visit is to offer solidarity to the local Anglican church, and particularly the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, the Most Revd Hosam Naoum. Archbishop Justin Welby arrived in Jerusalem late this afternoon.

During his visit the Archbishop will meet other Christian leaders in Jerusalem. He will be shown some examples of practical service offered by Christians to their wider communities.

The Archbishop also hopes to meet with some religious Jewish leadership and renew an appeal for release of hostages, as well as offering sympathy and condolences for Israeli victims of the Hamas terror attacks.

A Lambeth Palace spokesperson said today: “The Archbishop is undertaking a pastoral visit to Jerusalem. This a crucial time for all of us to show solidarity and care to those impacted by this war. At heart of the Christian faith is the idea that the church is one body. When one part of the body suffers, we all suffer. Being alongside our fellow Christians, to listen, share and support is central to our faith. We are praying constantly for all who suffer in the Holy Land.”

Since the 7th October atrocities in Israel, the Archbishop has repeatedly condemned the terrorist attacks by Hamas. He has also expressed grave concern at the loss of life in Gaza, called for aid to reach its civilian population, and for international humanitarian law to be upheld. He has urged Christians around the world to pray for the Church in the Holy Land, and for all innocent people caught up in the war.

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October 18th, 2023 10:30pm AEDT

This evening we have received word from a third party that the Hospital director Suhaila Tarazi is safe. We have also been informed that Mahmoud El Hendy together with Dr Maher and Samira are also safe and taking refuge. In a press conference held by Church leaders of Jerusalem, Archbishop Hosam has confirmed that two staff have been injured. Whilst the full details of what has occurred are still emerging, it appears that the tragic loss of life has occurred in the car park within the compound where people had been taking shelter.

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October 18th, 2023 1:30pm AEDT

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October 18th, 2023 6:45am

Souce: ABC Australia News

An explosion is believed to have killed hundreds of Palestinians at the Ahli Arab Hospital which was crammed with patients and displaced people, health authorities in the besieged enclave say.

A civil defence chief in Hamas-ruled Gaza told Al Jazeera television that more than 300 people were killed at Al-Ahli al-Arabi Hospital.

A Gaza Health Ministry official said at least 500 people were killed and injured.

The blast at the hospital mostly killed displaced people.

The victims included patients, women and children.

These details have not been independently verified by the ABC or Western authorities however information is now being covered broadly across many news outlets. MORE UPDATES WILL FOLLOW AS WE KNOW MORE

Pray for Peace

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October 17th, 2023

In a distressing incident on the 14th of October, 2023, Ahli Arab Hospital’s Diagnostic Cancer Treatment Center in Gaza City was struck by rocket fire. The ensuing strike brought substantial demage upon the two uppermost floors of the facility, specifically impacting the Ultrasound and Mammography wards. Tragically, this incident resulted in injuries to four dedicated hospital staff members, who are currently under medical care to address their wounds.

Distinguished as the Crown Jewel of Ahli Hospital, the Diagnostic Center plays a pivotal role in the provision of cancer diagnosis, offering a vital preliminary step toward the implementation of diverse treatment modalities, both within the premises of Ahli Hospital and in collaboration with other healthcare facilities.

In this challenging time, we ask you to maintain your unwavering support and prayers for the well-being and safety of the hospital, its resilient staff, and the patients within its walls.

October 12th, 2023

The home of Ahli Hospital Hospital Medical Director Bombed in Gaza
From the office of Archbishop Hosam:
Please keep in your prayers Dr. Maher Ayyad, Ahli Hospital's Medical Director, whose home was destroyed yesterday in an aerial strike against a residential neighborhood in Gaza. He is pictured below with Archbishop Hosam in a photo taken last Wednesday during a visit there.
A dedicated Christian servant, Dr. Ayyad was fortunately working in the hospital at the time and so was not injured. But his house is now unlivable (photos below)—as are those of a reported 187,000 civilians in Gaza today.
Shaken but undeterred from his Christian ministry of healing, Dr. Ayyad continues treating the maimed and wounded at the hospital.

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October 11th, 2023

As a result of the ongoing Israeli-Hamas war, at least 1,200 Israelis have been killed, with more than 2,700 injured, while roughly 950 people in Gaza have been killed, with 5,000 injured. We continue to pray for peace and for the protection of innocent civillians caught on both sides of this conflict.

Emergency Update from Hospital Director Suhaila Tarazi

Hospital Director Suhaila Tarazi continues to provide heartbreaking updates as she is able. At the time of this writing, she has shared that the situation is horrific, and changing hour by hour. There is no water, no electricity, no food, no fuel reserves, and no safe place to shelter. The heavy shelling since the weekend in Gaza has forced over 125,000 inhabitants to flee their homes, using the United Nations Relief and Work Agency’s (UNRWA) schools as a shelter.

Unfortunately, three staff members of Ahli Hospital have thus far lost their homes completely during the bombardment of the Al Rimal area – among them, Ahli’s Medical Director, Dr. Maher Ayyad. Thankfully, they were at the hospital saving the lives of the injured, and not in their residences at the time of the air strikes.

“At this stage, our only hope is in God for a miracle in the midst of this scenery of death.” -Suhaila Tarazi, Director of Ahli Hospital

Ahli’s doctors and nurses are working non-stop, persevering in impossible conditions to serve the casualties of war: those maimed, burned, and injured. They’ve had to appoint extra staff (doctors, nurses, and technicians), open many more beds, and increase ICU capacity. The ongoing crisis demands Ahli’s critical attention and your generous support, as all patients during war are treated at no cost to them. Humanitarian first, Christian-led Ahli Hospital treats all people regardless of gender, race, or religion.

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October 7, 2023

Emergency Update from Hospital Director Suhaila Tarazi

On October 7, 2023, at 6:30 AM, the people of Gaza woke up scared, witnessing a horrible situation. They couldn’t figure out what was going on for the first 20-30 minutes. Official channels then confirmed that Palestinian militant groups had fired thousands of rockets towards Israel. Clashes occurred in the border towns. Israel's military has since bombed back some targets in the Gaza Strip, and the Israeli government declared it would respond with a huge retaliation against Gaza and Palestinian fighters. The situation is severely critical, and the consequences for people in Gaza are very bad, particularly in the health sector. The Ministry of Health has triggered an emergency situation and asked all health-service providers to increase their emergency response capacity. Life in Gaza is paralysed, with all institutions and private sectors closed, affecting the people's access to basic needs, particularly health.

Governmental hospitals have prioritised emergency cases, deprioritising elective surgeries and non-emergency health cases. According to the catastrophe that has started to affect the deteriorated healthcare system and people living in Gaza, AAH is committed to continuing to provide 24/7 health services for all people in need of medical care. The role of AAH could be highly significant in saving lives during emergencies and in eliminating the gap in the healthcare system.

AAH management has held an internal emergency meeting to discuss the situation, to agree on an AAH response plan, and to identify the required resources to ensure provision of comprehensive healthcare. The team will schedule its technical staff to ensure that the hospital is accessible 24 hours a day.

In order to ensure that Ahli is able to respond to the increasing need, AAH is in urgent need of medications and other resources for an emergency response. This is an appeal for your generous donations that would greatly support AAH's response, which will positively affect the lives of vulnerable people in Gaza. This appeal includes the following resources that would guarantee AAH's response:

-       Urgent Medicines: US$35,000

-       Medical Consumables: US$25,000

-       ICU Equipment: US$20,000

-       Fuel (10,000 Litres): US$17,000

-       Extra staff: US$30,000

-       Psychosocial Support for Patients and their families: US$15,000

-       Food for patients and IDPs: US$15,000

Please pray with us that this wave of violence will be stopped, as there are no winners in wars. All are losers.

Suhaila Tarazi

Director, Ahli Hospital

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