Statement from the College of Bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church:

The College of Bishops is appalled and deeply saddened by the bombing and destruction of part of the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza on Palm Sunday.

The Scottish Episcopal Church has a long history of supporting the life and work of the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem and its work with the whole community in the Holy Land, including the remarkable ministry of the hospital as it continued to work throughout the recent turmoil in Gaza.

The College condemns the forced evacuation and air strikes on the hospital and call upon the international community to bring pressure to bear on the government of Israel to cease attacks on humanitarian institutions.

The reducing of hospitals to rubble and the suffering of vulnerable people cannot bring about peace or justice for people of Palestine and Israel. It will only destroy hope and deepen hatred.

Prayers have been offered from across the Province, and the plight of hospitals in Gaza is already being supported via Lent Appeals in a number of our dioceses. We will all continue to pray and offer our support to the Diocese of Jerusalem during these desperate times.

(Main image copyright WHO)