This post was updated on October 20 to include information that has emerged since it was published on October 17. Additional updates will be posted to the news feed as more information becomes available.
On Tuesday, a blast at Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City reportedly killed hundreds of patients, healthcare workers and civilians seeking shelter. American intelligence reports estimate the death toll at 100 to 300. The Palestinian Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas, set the death toll at 471. The hospital is operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.
Eileen Spencer, executive director for American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, told the Washington Post “We don’t know if the hospital will still be standing.”
In a statement, the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem condemned what it described as an attack. “As we grieve the loss of countless souls who perished on our premises, we declare a day of mourning in all our churches and institutions. We beseech our friends, partners, and individuals of goodwill to stand in solidarity, mourning with us the heinous assault on our dedicated staff and vulnerable patients.”
Presiding Bishop Curry issued a statement this evening:
My heart aches when I remember visiting al-Ahli hospital in 2018 during Holy Week to meet the medical teams and all the people of that remarkable ministry. They were passionately committed to anyone who had need. …
Right now, I ask you to pray fervently for the birthplace of the Abrahamic faiths and for all its people. Pray for those who have been hurt, harmed, or killed—regardless of who they are or who did it.
Pray also for the leaders and people of the entire region, that they will remember God’s mercy, and that they will find the way to a just peace where all may live in safety and security as God intends.
- Donate to American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, which supports Al Ahli Arab hospital.
- Find prayers and resources.
- Follow Episcopal News Service coverage.
- Read and share “A Litany for the Holy Land” by the Rev. Leyla Kamalick King, a Palestinian-American Episcopal priest.
God of Life, whose faithfulness to us is never-ending, we remember before you those who have died by the violence that has become shockingly routine in your Holy Land; receive them into your heart where they may know the peace and joy of eternal life in you.
For all who have died, that they may rest in that place where pain is no more, Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. (Litany for the Holy Land)
