Al Ahli Arab Hospital has been ministering as a Christian witness in Gaza City since 1882. The institution was founded by the Church of England’s Church Mission Society and was later run as a medical mission by the Southern Baptist Conference from 1954 to 1982. It then returned to the Anglican Church.

Photo: Mary Frances Schjonberg/Episcopal News Service

In response to the horrifying bombing of the al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza on October 17, (a day which the Patriarchs and Heads of churches in Jerusalem had designated for prayer and fasting for peace and reconciliation and an end to the war), Churches for Middle East Peace (that includes the UCC) immediately issued a statement which said in part:

"We are shocked, outraged, and devastated by an air strike on the Anglican Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, leaving at least 500 dead and thousands more injured or unaccounted for. Our hearts are deeply grieved at hearing this news. We express our deepest condolences and ask that the Lord be with the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, staff, and all people affected by the bombing of Al-Ahli Hospital. We join in lament and prayers that God will come alongside and comfort all people who are suffering, and support Archbishop Hosam Naoum, the Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem, in his pastoral care and leadership.

This attack is a grave violation of international law, and it is an affront to our shared humanity. This attack is the second on Al-Ahli hospital in the past few days. These attacks on civilians, including children and the elderly, must stop. The indiscriminate bombing of places of refuge must stop. The dehumanization of vulnerable people must stop. The people of Gaza are suffering, and they have almost no options for much-needed medical treatment or surgeries, or for receiving pain and other medications."

CMEP statement went on to call for President Biden and the US Congress:

1. Publicly call for ceasefire, de-escalation, and restraint by all sides.

2. Call on all parties to abide by the laws of war, including the Geneva Conventions and customary international law.

3. Prioritize steps to secure the immediate release of hostages and ensure international protection for civilians.

Read the full statement here.