Israeli Airstrikes Destroy Gaza Hospital During Holy Week

Israeli flag with three fighter jets flying overhead.

Israeli military airstrikes destroyed the last functioning hospital in Gaza City on Palm Sunday, raising questions about targeting medical facilities during religious holidays.

Quick Takes

Israeli airstrikes hit Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital on Palm Sunday, destroying its emergency department and damaging the adjacent St. Porphyrius Church
The IDF claims the hospital housed a Hamas command center, but provided minimal evacuation time of approximately 20 minutes
The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, which manages the hospital, condemned the attack as 30 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals have now been bombed
World Health Organization officials have emphasized that targeting hospitals violates international humanitarian law
The 143-year-old hospital has been bombed five times since the conflict began in 2023

Destruction of Gaza’s Last Functional Hospital

On March 24, Israeli airstrikes hit Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City during Palm Sunday observances, destroying the emergency department and severely damaging other sections. According to reports, the attack resulted in the death of at least three critically ill patients who could not be evacuated in time. The hospital, which has operated for 143 years, was the last fully functional medical facility in Gaza City after other hospitals were destroyed during the ongoing conflict.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated the hospital was targeted because it allegedly housed a “command and control centre used by Hamas.” Military officials claim they took measures to minimize civilian harm, including issuing warnings and using precise munitions. A local journalist reported that hospital staff received only a 20-minute evacuation warning before the strike, severely limiting the ability to move critical patients to safety.

Religious Significance and Condemnation

The timing of the attack during Palm Sunday has drawn particular criticism from religious leaders. Christians in Gaza had gathered at Saint Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church to commemorate the beginning of Holy Week when the nearby airstrikes occurred. The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, which manages the hospital, issued a statement condemning the attack, noting that the missile strikes severely damaged the surgery building and oxygen generation station.

The Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem also condemned the attack, highlighting the hospital’s role as a sanctuary dedicated to preserving life and dignity. The Archbishop of York expressed grief over the incident, specifically noting its occurrence during a significant Christian holy day. The World Health Organization emphasized that hospitals are protected facilities under international humanitarian law, regardless of conflict circumstances.

Broader Impact on Gaza’s Healthcare System

The destruction of Al-Ahli Hospital represents a significant blow to Gaza’s already crippled healthcare system. Reports indicate that 30 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals have been bombed during the conflict, leading to what humanitarian organizations describe as a near-total collapse of medical infrastructure. This particular facility had already been bombed four previous times since the war began in 2023, yet continued to provide essential care.

According to data cited by the BBC, over 50,933 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began, with 1,563 fatalities reported just since March 18. The hospital attack has drawn international criticism, including from UK Foreign Minister David Lammy and various humanitarian organizations monitoring the situation. Under international humanitarian law, the deliberate targeting of health facilities and personnel is classified as a war crime.

Disputed Claims and Context

The IDF maintains that the hospital was being used for military purposes, a claim that has been contested by hospital administrators and religious authorities. Similar disputes have occurred repeatedly throughout the conflict regarding the targeting of civilian infrastructure. The Hamas-run government media office in Gaza has categorically denied that the facility was being used for any military purposes, describing the attack as part of systematic targeting of medical facilities.

The atmosphere at Palm Sunday services following the attack was reported as somber, with journalists noting the absence of joy among worshippers, especially children. The strike also damaged the adjacent Saint Porphyrius Church, which is considered the oldest church in Gaza, further impacting religious observances during this significant period in the Christian calendar. These developments continue to raise concerns about the protection of civilian infrastructure during the ongoing conflict.