Keeping Hope Alive Through Healthcare: Update from Diocese of Jerusalem

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3  

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank continues, access to healthcare remains under immense pressure. Our partner, the Diocese of Jerusalem is responding through Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza and St Luke’s Hospital in Nablus, providing vital medical care and support for vulnerable communities. Here is an update on their ongoing work. 

Between March and May 2026, both hospitals faced growing pressure as more people needed support, public healthcare services became increasingly limited, and families struggled with the economic impact of the ongoing conflict. Shortages of medicines and medical supplies, together with the rising number of people unable to afford healthcare, placed further strain on already stretched hospital teams and resources. 

Thanks to the continued support of partners like USPG, Al Ahli Arab Hospital and St Luke’s Hospital have been able to remain operational and continue providing vital care to thousands of patients who might otherwise have been unable to access treatment. On the importance of partnership Sawsan Batato, Programmes Director at the Diocese of Jerusalem, shares: 

In these difficult times, we have also witnessed the power of Christian solidarity through the accompaniment of USPG. In a time of great need, USPG [has] stood in solidarity with the Diocese, recognising that the suffering of one part of the Body of Christ is shared by the whole Church.

At Al Ahli Arab Hospital, one of the only functioning hospitals in Gaza, treatments such as physiotherapy have helped children and families experiencing the emotional and psychological impact of conflict. Currently, the hospital provides treatment to approximately 600-700 patients per day and around 30 surgical operations daily. 

Healthcare is not only about treating illness and injury; it is also about creating spaces where people can find encouragement and hope. In a recent video, Noor Al Najar shares how a psychosocial support programme at the hospital has helped her and provided a place of care during an incredibly difficult time. 

Watch Noor’s story and hear more about the work of the Al Ahli Arab Hospital team:

In the West Bank, St Luke’s Hospital continues to serve its community at a time when many people are facing growing financial hardship and reduced access to healthcare. Many other public hospitals in the region have reduced their operating hours from 5 days a week to 2 due to similar constraints, but the doors at St Luke’s remain open. The hospital’s dedicated staff continue to welcome patients, provide treatment, and serve the community with care regardless of people’s ability to pay. 

A new video highlights the commitment of the St Luke’s Hospital team and the compassion that guides their daily work, showing the people behind the appointments, consultations, and treatments that make such a difference to the community. 

Watch the St Luke’s Hospital team in action:

 To give, please visit: www.uspg.org.uk/donate/. Thank you for your support.

Let us pray: 

Heavenly Father, 

We give thanks for the resilience, faith, and dedication of the teams at Ahli Arab Hospital and St Luke’s Hospital, and for all those who continue to support this important ministry of healing. Please bless them, we pray. 

We commit to you the Diocese of Jerusalem, the hospital staff and patients, and all communities affected by the ongoing crisis. May they know you to be a refuge and the God of peace in this turbulent time. 

May your kingdom come. 

Amen