The story of the Good Samaritan teaches us about love through action and sacrifice. The Good Samaritan gave time, money, and safety to restore another’s health. The staff at al-Ahli Arab Hospital embody this spirit, ensuring Gaza’s people receive life-saving care despite immense risks. Yet, these Good Samaritans are struggling.
There is an urgent need to raise $100,000 to support the courageous work of the hospital’s staff. Anglican Overseas Aid is asking for special donations to deliver this crucial aid.
The war in Gaza and restrictions on aid have caused immense death and suffering, with 90% of Gaza’s population displaced and lacking shelter, food, medical services, clean water, education, and livelihoods.
The conflict is driving up poverty rates, and more people are seeking free services from Diocese Institutions. The health system is in crisis: medical supplies are at an all-time low, and 19 out of 36 hospitals are out of service. Since October 2023, more than 885 health workers have been killed and at least 310 arrested.
In this context, it is remarkable what our partners at al-Ahli Arab Hospital have achieved. Over the past year, the hospital has treated over 23,000 people per month and currently cares for 750 patients daily—an enormous task for a facility that started with just 50 beds. Now expanded to 80 beds, the hospital has turned its chapel and library into wards. Operating theatres have increased from three to five, with triage and emergency areas now in the physical therapy department and hospital yards.
Anglican Overseas Aid (AOA) has supported al-Ahli since 1988. The hospital’s director, Suhaila Tarazi, has been dedicated to serving Gaza City’s most marginalised communities throughout this long partnership.
Al-Ahli Arab Hospital cares for everyone. It will not reject those who cannot pay, or those of different faiths. It is a hospital that seeks out those who have been marginalised and cares for them. That’s why we are we are seeking your help to continue to provide the following services.
Free Healthcare
We want to ensure the hospital can provide free healthcare to vulnerable people who have lost their income due to the war. According to the World Bank, at present nearly every Gazan lives in poverty.
Hassan is one such person who, despite tremendous obstacles, received lifesaving support from staff at al-Ahli Arab Hospital. You can read about his journey further down the page.
Sustaining Health Services
Hospital staff are not just caring for the injured; they are desperately trying to maintain the services offered before the war, such as the early detection and treatment of diseases.
They recently opened a chemotherapy centre and, in cooperation with the Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre, have also opened a small unit to support children living with disabilities by providing physical therapy treatment and care for cerebral palsy patients and their families.
Supporting the wounded
In addition to providing free health care and sustaining ongoing health services, the hospital continues to support the wounded and traumatised in Gaza by ensuring they receive medical interventions.
Staff have also commenced providing psychosocial support for children living in southern Gaza and have opened a clinic in the Khan Yunis refugee camp where they care for approximately 200 patients per day. It is simply astounding work, considering all they have been through.
Hassan’s life was saved, thanks to a free surgery, provided by al-Ahli Arab hospital.
Hassan* and his family live in a town that has suffered some of the worst destruction in Gaza. Tragically Hassan's father was killed during the first week of fighting. Hassan and his family also lost their home due to shelling, except for one room unfit for living. Displaced several times, they were forced to return to this uninhabitable room. Water and food soon became one of their principal priorities.
One day, Hassan learnt of trucks distributing flour in another town. He walked for over an hour and a half and waited for hours more until a cart carrying bags of flour arrived. Along with many others, Hassan rushed for the flour in the hope that he would be able to feed his family; instantly, he was surprised by Israeli soldiers shooting from an aircraft.
Hassan was hit in the leg and arms, rendering him immobile. He lay on the ground, waiting for someone to rescue him. Eventually, he was found and placed on a cart pulled by a donkey; the driver told him that he would send him to al-Ahli Arab Hospital as it was the only hospital in Gaza City operational and was receiving many injuries daily.
After an hour, Hassan arrived at al-Ahli Arab Hospital and was taken straight to emergency. He had lost a lot of blood and required urgent surgery; the doctors feared his leg would need to be amputated. A specialist doctor in Orthopaedics commenced with the surgery, praying that he could save Hassan's leg.
After every effort was made, the doctor successfully completed the surgery, ensuring that Hassan would be able to keep his leg. He then spent several days in the hospital and undertook long-term physical therapy. Hassan's condition has greatly improved, and he was incredibly grateful to the medical staff for healing him and waiving all hospital fees.
*Name has been changed
A prayer for al-Ahli Arab Hospital
Dear Heavenly Father,
We pray these words of hope over those who serve at al Ahli Arab Hospital, and all impacted by the Gaza / Israel conflict:
'The dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.' Luke 1: 78-79
Thank you for the dedicated staff who bravely serve the people of Gaza.
Please protect them as they bring healing in extraordinarily dangerous circumstances.
Protect them, Lord, and give them strength, wisdom, peace and comfort as they experience the tragedy and heartbreak of war. We pray that everyone will learn to walk with each other in the path of justice, mercy, and peace. Set all hostages free and bring a ceasefire to this conflict now.
In your mighty name, we pray,
Amen