The Archbishop of Canterbury on Monday joined Archbishop Hosam Naoum in protesting the closure of a hospital in Gaza and an attack on an ambulance vehicle. The Al Ahli Anglican Hospital was compelled to close by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) amidst “escalating military activity.” An ambulance was also fired at while en route to the hospital, but there is currently no information about the condition of the driver or the patients.

In a statement, the Diocese of Jerusalem detailed that on Sunday, drones were firing in the immediate vicinity of the hospital. The area was immediately declared a “red zone” and everyone in the hospital was required to evacuate. The Diocese noted that closing the hospital leaves the sick and injured in “great jeopardy” at a time when its services are in “very significant demand.”

According to Anglican Overseas Aid Disaster Response and Resilience Coordinator, Tim Hartley, the hospital had been receiving 300 patients a day despite it being an 80-bed facility. Those injured and sick in Gaza have few alternative places to receive urgent medical care. 

The Al Ahli Hospital was also the subject of controversy surrounding an explosion in October 2023. A munition caused an explosion in the courtyard of the hospital that killed and injured many civilians, and blame was traded between the IDF and Palestinian militants as to whether the explosion was caused by an Israeli attack or a misfired rocket. Although some observers like Human Rights Watch (HRW) believe the explosion was caused by a misfired rocket, HRW has documented other unlawful hospital attacks by Israeli forces.

In 1970, the UN General Assembly held a session regarding basic principles for the protection of civilian populations in armed conflicts. The Assembly adopted the resolution that “places or areas designated for the sole protection of civilians, such as hospital zones or similar refuges, should not be the object of military operations.” 

Archbishop Hosam said:

We appeal to the Israeli forces to permit us to continue our sacred ministry of medical care and healing. We plead for an end to the targeting of civilians and all vulnerable people and demand all parties agree to an immediate ceasefire.

The Archbishop of Canterbury stood with him, asserting that “Hospitals must be protected under international humanitarian law.” He supports the call for a ceasefire and advocates for the release of hostages and the ongoing safety of the people of Gaza.