The Rt Rev Graham Usher recently returned to England after spending 10 days in Israel and Gaza during the escalation of the conflict. During his visit, the Bishop witnessed the devastation and expressed horror at the ongoing violence. He visited the al-Ahli-Arab hospital in Gaza, a Christian-led facility providing emergency care to people regardless of their faith. The Bishop spoke of the vital importance of the hospital’s facilities and its reputation as a haven of peace and hope in the city. He is now appealing for financial support to continue the hospital’s work and provide medical aid to the civilians of Gaza.
Bishop Graham strongly condemned the atrocities committed by Hamas against Israelis, describing them as utterly abhorrent and sickening. However, he also expressed his deep concern about the violence and destruction on all sides and the impending humanitarian impact on innocent Palestinians in Gaza. The Bishop emphasized the need for support for the hospital and other medical efforts to provide relief and aid to the civilians caught in the conflict.
Suhaila Tazara, the director of the al-Ahli-Arab hospital, provided a grim picture of the situation in Gaza. She described a complete lack of essential resources such as water, electricity, food, and fuel reserves. The hospital’s wards are overcrowded with injured patients, and the staff is doing their best to provide as much assistance as possible. The dire conditions and overwhelming demand highlight the urgent need for financial support to sustain the hospital’s operations and ensure the provision of medical care to those in need.
In response to the crisis, Bishop Graham has launched an appeal for people to contribute financially to the al-Ahli-Arab hospital or other medical support for Gaza’s civilians. He emphasized the hospital’s vital role in providing healthcare in Gaza and its potential to be a beacon of peace and hope in a war-torn region. The Bishop called for unity in prayer among Jews, Muslims, and Christians, and stressed the importance of working towards peace with justice for all. Through this appeal, he hopes to gather support to address the urgent medical needs and alleviate the suffering of the people affected by the conflict in Gaza.
