At this week’s meeting of the College of Bishops time was spent in prayer, discussion and debate on the ongoing situation in Gaza. Following that meeting, the College has made the following statement and call for daily prayer:

“During our meeting we were notified that once again the Al-Ahli Anglican Hospital had been attacked. We heard from the Diocese of Jerusalem that gunmen had set fire to the mortuary and staff prayer room, and later a second group stormed the compound, drawing and attack from an Israeli drone. During this event seven people were killed and five seriously injured.

“Archbishop Hosam and his team in Jerusalem invited all Christians and all people of goodwill around the world to pray and advocate on behalf of the courageous staff of the hospital. The statement ended: ‘May God have mercy on us all.’

“In addition to this attack, we have since learned that the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) have confirmed that the key thresholds for declaring a famine had been met in Gaza City, with towns in other sectors of Gaza likely to fall into famine in the coming weeks if a ceasefire and food aid arrangement is not reached.

“The College condemns the attacks on the people of Gaza and the continuing refusal to provide sufficient food and medical care for the residents.

“We call on all our churches and communities to pray daily for all those suffering in this humanitarian disaster, holding in prayer all those who are suffering, as well as the doctors and nurses who treat them, as we call urgently for the healing of the Land of the Holy One.”

The letter below is from the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem: