In the early hours of Sunday, April 18, as Holy Week began, Israel bombed the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital. Reports indicate three patients, including a child, died as a result of disruption of care prompted by the attack. Operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, Al-Ahli Arab Hospital is the only Christian hospital in Gaza. This is just one example of many over the past several weeks after Israel resumed its military campaign in Gaza on March 18. Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) condemns all acts of violence and calls for an immediate end to the bloodshed. In the wake of the mass destruction and threats to human life, it is vital that Congress hear from their constituents who support a swift de-escalation of violence and an end to sending U.S. weapons to Israel

CMEP strongly condemns the resumed extensive attacks launched by Israel against Gaza, resulting in mounting civilian death tolls, especially women and children. The deliberate targeting of Al-Ahli Hospital, a medical facility, is a clear violation of international law—a war crime and a crime against humanity. The attacks over the past several weeks have also resulted in mass displacement, compounding the disastrous humanitarian situation in the area and stripping Gazans of their autonomy. A continued military offensive will only lead to more lives lost and further displacement of Gazans. The bombing of the Anglican Al-Ahli Arab Hospital is a violation of the sacredness of life and it is especially abhorrent during this sacred time for Christians.

The deliberate targeting of a medical facility is a clear violation of international law—a war crime and a crime against humanity. This attack has significantly damaged the facility. Already functioning under immense strain due to repeated attacks, the genetic laboratory was completely destroyed, the emergency department building and pharmacy significantly damaged, in addition to other collateral damage in surrounding buildings including the St. Philip’s Church building.

The attack against Al-Ahli Arab Hospital is part of the resumption of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza which began again in the early morning of March 18. The March 18 airstrikes resulted in the deaths of over 400 Palestinians, mostly women and children. These initial attacks have been followed by bombardments of airstrikes, complete shut down of humanitarian aid, and displacement of almost 400,000 Palestinians. The death toll has risen to at least 1,391 Palestinians. The mass displacement, constant threat of bombings, and severe lack of water and food have created a situation even more dire than before the ceasefire deal was reached.

CMEP calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire to end all violence, the release of Israeli and international hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners held unjustly, and to pursue a negotiated settlement that will bring lasting resolution to the ongoing cycles of violence between Israelis and Palestinians.

In the wake of the renewed fighting in Gaza, Israel also has been increasing its presence in and efforts to annex the West Bank. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been displaced in the West Bank as a result of an Israeli operation in the Northern West Bank that began in January 2025. On February 23, 2025, Israel deployed tanks in the West Bank for the first time in more than 20 years. More than 40,000 Palestinians have been displaced from the North of the West Bank, especially from refugee camps and areas around the cities of Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarem. Aid has been severely reduced to these refugees, as they now have nowhere to turn to.

The increase in settlements in the West Bank and displacement of Palestinians paints a grim picture for the possibility of annexation. Israel has issued a tender for the construction of 974 new housing units at the Efrat settlement south of Jerusalem, expanding the Israeli population and blocking the development of the nearby Palestinian city of Bethlehem. These settlements are illegal under international law. Settler violence in the West Bank has escalated since the start of the war in Gaza with at least 910 Palestinians killed in the West Bank by Israeli soldiers or settlers, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah.

The mounting death toll and extreme humanitarian crisis in Gaza requires an immediate resumption of the ceasefire. Forced displacement in both Gaza and the West bank is dehumanizing and a violation of human rights. Attempts to annex and extend sovereignty in the West Bank, paired with the mass bombing campaign in Gaza, constitute an extreme threat to the lives of every Palestinian in these areas. The danger to the Palestinian community cannot be understated.

Make your voices heard today by letting your members of Congress you want the U.S. government to prioritize peace and an end to violence over continuing to supply weapons that will cause further death and destruction