Gaza: On April 13, 2025, just before sunrise, Israel bombed the al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City. This hospital was the last big hospital still helping sick and injured people in the north of Gaza.
Israel said it was attacking a Hamas command center inside the hospital, but gave no proof. Hamas denied the claim. The hospital is run by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, which said the strike destroyed important buildings, including a lab, the emergency department, and the pharmacy. The attack happened on Palm Sunday, a holy day for Christians.
Many countries and groups around the world strongly condemned the attack. The World Health Organization (WHO) said the hospital had to shut down, and one child died because of the damage. They also said 50 patients had to be moved, but 40 who were seriously ill could not be moved. WHO’s leader said the bombing must stop, and called for a ceasefire and an end to the aid blockade in Gaza.
The United Kingdom, Ireland, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia also spoke out. Qatar called the bombing a "horrific massacre" and a "crime against civilians." The UK said Israel’s repeated attacks on hospitals had badly hurt Gaza’s health care system. Ireland’s leader said the killing of civilians must stop. Egypt and Jordan said it was a clear violation of international law. Saudi Arabia said it was a terrible crime and went against all human values
The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) said the bombing of al-Ahli Hospital is unacceptable because hospitals are protected under international law. Naomi Brooks from ACFID said they are deeply disturbed by ongoing violence against civilians, doctors, and aid workers in Gaza. She said hospitals should always be safe places, not targets.
ACFID is also worried about Gaza’s severe food shortage. Gaza’s Health Ministry says at least 60,000 children are suffering or at risk due to malnutrition. Naomi Brooks called on the Australian Government to push hard for a ceasefire and for humanitarian aid to be allowed in.
Religious leaders also spoke out. The Archbishop of York in the UK said the hospital was a place of healing and that it was deeply wrong to attack it on such a sacred day. A Palestinian Christian group said it was an attack on all Christians, not just Palestinians.
The Islamic Jihad group said this bombing was part of a pattern of attacks on hospitals, schools, and shelters in Gaza. They said it showed how the world is staying silent while Gaza suffers. People around the world are now calling for stronger action to protect hospitals and innocent people in Gaza.
The strike on al-Ahli Hospital has shocked the world and led to loud calls for peace, protection of civilians, and immediate humanitarian help.
