wfn.org | ACNS Update on the situation in Gaza from The Rt Revd Suheil Dawani

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Update on the situation in Gaza from The Rt Revd Suheil Dawani

Posted On : January 8, 2009 2:17 PM | Posted By : Webmaster
ACNS: http://www.aco.org/acns/news.cfm/2009/1/8/ACNS4556
Related Categories: Middle East

Jerusalem, January 7th, 2009 - At a time when great tragedy is occurring
in the Holy Land in Gaza, I want to share some insight into what we are
experiencing on a moment to moment basis. Our Diocese has one of 11
hospitals serving a population of 1.5 million residents in the Gaza
Strip. The Al Ahli Arab (Anglican) Hospital has been in operation for
over 100 years and has a very dedicated medical staff of doctors,
nurses, technicians and general services personnel.

During the best of times they are stretched to their maximum meeting the
medical needs of this populous community. Now, during the current
military conflict with its heavy toll on human life and material, the
hospital faces even greater responsibilities and challenges. The result
is growing strain on the hospital's resources. Every day since the
beginning of military operations, the hospital has received 20-40
injured or wounded patients. A large proportion of them require
hospitalization and surgery. These patients are in addition to those
with non-conflict-related illnesses. About one-fourth of the patients
are children.

In addition, the conflict has brought new type of medical and surgical
conditions. For example, patients with burns and acute, crippling
psychological trauma, are being seen more frequently. Because it is not
possible for aid workers to enter Gaza at this time, the hospital's
staff is working around the clock, struggling with the effects of
exhaustion and against limited resources in a conflicted area of ongoing
military operations.

Many medical items are needed, especially bandages and supplies for
burns and trauma. The hospital's windows have all been blown out or
shattered from rocket and missile concussion and cold permeates the
entire premises. Plastic sheeting to cover the windows could alleviate
some of the cold but is unavailable now. Food supplies are scant
throughout the Gaza strip and maintaining patients' nutritional needs at
the hospital has been difficult, especially for the most vulnerable.
Some medicines and supplies for the hospital have been generously
donated by US AID, but it has not yet been possible to deliver the
items.

Efforts to help alleviate some of the shortages are underway and we hope
that the shipments will arrive quickly. Through the ICRC limited amounts
of diesel fuel are being delivered to keep the electrical generators
functional for life saving and other essential equipment. We are working
with a number of related governmental and international voluntary
agencies to speed up the delivery and steady supply of needed medicines
and food. We are also working to ensure to the fullest extent possible
the physical safety of the Hospital staff and campus.

On a "normal" day, approximately 600 life line trucks a day bring
supplies to the Gaza Strip. Many are under the auspices of UNRWA and
international relief agencies because about two-thirds of Gaza's
residents are Refugees and living in UNRWA Camps. During this time of
conflict, that number of trucks is not seen in a week or more. Because
of the reduced deliveries, medical items, nutritional food, and other
basic supplies are now scarce items, if available at all, for our
brothers and sisters in Gaza.

I ask you to join with me in prayer and by offering whatever financial
support you can for our Hospital and heroic Staff of the Al Ahli
Hospital - and other such humanitarian endeavors. Thankfully the
Hospital plant remains intact at this time. While several among our
Staff have suffered loss and injuries within their own families, they
are representing all of us as a witness of God's love to all people -
"come unto to me all you who are heavy laden and I will refresh you". As
we continue to pray for communal Palestinian and Israeli PEACE, we
especially remember these dedicated individuals who cannot leave, but
most importantly do not want to leave, but continue to do all they can
to help.

Our Lord's imperative in St. John's Gospel during this Epiphany season
gives each of us the new hope for a new dawn of light, life and communal
conciliation - "I have come that you may have Life and have it
abundantly".

Bishop Dawani is Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem.

Information about donating money can be found here:
http://www.j-diocese.org/contact_us?th=2

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