Israel’s Airstrike On Christian Hospital During Holy Week

Protest with Palestinian flags waving in the air

Gaza’s last major hospital and historic church were destroyed during Holy Week, raising questions about military necessity and international humanitarian law violations.

Key Takeaways

Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital and St. Phillip’s Church were destroyed following an Israeli airstrike during Holy Week
The hospital was reportedly given only 18-20 minutes for evacuation, resulting in the deaths of at least three critically ill patients
Israeli military claimed the facility housed a Hamas command center, though evidence supporting this claim has been disputed
The hospital destruction represents a significant loss of healthcare capacity in Gaza City, where 30 of 36 hospitals have already been damaged or destroyed
Christian leaders have condemned the timing of the attack during Palm Sunday and Holy Week

Holy Week Attack on Critical Infrastructure

Israeli forces conducted an airstrike on the al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza City during Palm Sunday observances, destroying the facility’s emergency department and causing extensive damage to the adjoining St. Phillip’s Church. The hospital, managed by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem for 143 years, was reportedly the last fully functional medical facility in Gaza City. According to multiple sources, the attack occurred approximately 18-20 minutes after evacuation orders were issued, creating a chaotic situation for staff and critically ill patients.

The hospital attack marks the fifth time the facility has been targeted since the conflict intensified in 2023. Local reports indicate that at least three critically ill patients died as a result of the hasty evacuation, while the hospital’s surgery building and oxygen generation station were completely destroyed. The timing of the attack during Holy Week has drawn particular criticism from Christian leaders worldwide, who view it as an affront to both humanitarian principles and religious observances.

Disputed Military Claims

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated the hospital was targeted because it allegedly housed a “command and control center used by Hamas.” In their statement, military officials claimed they took measures to minimize civilian casualties, including issuing warnings and using precision munitions. This justification has been met with skepticism from international observers, including the World Health Organization, which emphasized that medical facilities maintain protected status under international humanitarian law regardless of conflict circumstances.

UK Foreign Minister David Lammy condemned the attack, joining a chorus of international voices questioning the military necessity of targeting a functioning hospital in an area already facing severe healthcare shortages. The Archbishop of York specifically expressed grief over the attack’s timing during Palm Sunday, a significant day in the Christian calendar marking the beginning of Holy Week commemorations leading to Easter.

Healthcare System Collapse

The destruction of al-Ahli Hospital represents another blow to Gaza’s crumbling healthcare infrastructure. Reports indicate that 30 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals have been bombed since the conflict began, leading to what medical professionals describe as a near-total collapse of the healthcare system. The World Health Organization has repeatedly warned about the catastrophic consequences for civilians as medical facilities continue to be damaged or destroyed in the conflict.

Christians in Gaza had gathered at Saint Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church to commemorate Palm Sunday when the nearby airstrike occurred. Witnesses described a somber atmosphere during religious services, with the typical joy of the celebration notably absent, especially among children. The Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned the attack, highlighting the hospital’s longstanding role as “a sanctuary of life and dignity” for the people of Gaza.

Humanitarian and Legal Implications

Under international humanitarian law, the deliberate targeting of healthcare facilities and personnel is classified as a war crime. While the IDF maintains that warnings were issued prior to the strike, humanitarian organizations have questioned whether the 18-20 minute evacuation window was sufficient for a functioning hospital with critically ill patients. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 50,933 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began, with 1,563 fatalities reported in the month preceding the hospital attack.

The incident occurs against the backdrop of ongoing ceasefire negotiations that have yet to produce lasting results. The destruction of critical healthcare infrastructure further complicates humanitarian efforts in Gaza, where medical resources were already severely strained. International aid organizations continue to call for greater protection of medical facilities and unimpeded humanitarian access to address the growing crisis.