Statement: LWF condemns attacks against medical facilities in Gaza

31 Dec 2024

| English

The Anglican Al-Ahli hospital was damaged in an artillery attack on 29 December.

International humanitarian law must be respected

(LWI) – On 29 December, the Anglican Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza sustained significant damage in an artillery attack. The hospital’s orthopedic clinic, located on the fourth floor, was rendered unusable, compounding the challenges faced by an already overstretched medical facility. The fourth floor has also functioned as a chemotherapy treatment center in partnership between Al-Ahli Hospital and the Augusta Victoria Hospital, Jerusalem. This marks the second instance of damage to the hospital since October, raising urgent concerns about the protection and safety of healthcare infrastructure in Gaza.

Public Statement

31 December 2024

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) unequivocally condemns this attack and expresses profound concern over the continued disregard for the lack of protection of hospitals and medical facilities. Such actions jeopardize the lives of patients, medical personnel, and the vulnerable people in Gaza, who need essential health services.

International Humanitarian Law is clear: attacks on hospitals and places dedicated to the care of the sick and wounded are prohibited. LWF urgently calls on all parties to respect and uphold these laws, ensuring that hospitals are protected, their operations safeguarded, and access to medical care guaranteed.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is dire. After over a year of escalating violence, basic health care services have been severely disrupted, leaving the civilian population at grave risk. Immediate and concerted action is required to restore access to medical care and alleviate suffering.

LWF expresses deep relief that no staff members from the hospital or LWF were harmed in the attack. LWF stands in solidarity with its partner, the Anglican Al-Ahli Hospital and reaffirm its commitment to supporting medical institutions and advocating for the protection of civilians in conflict zones.

LWF/A. Danielsson

Themes:

Justice

Program:

Series:

Statements

Country:

Holy Land

Region:

Asia