The Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, has expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the victims of a deadly airstrike on Gaza's Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, one of the last remaining medical facilities serving civilians in the war-torn enclave.

The strike, which occurred on Sunday, April 13 — coinciding with Palm Sunday — targeted the hospital’s emergency department and several critical units, including surgery, intensive care, the laboratory, and pharmacy. Eyewitnesses and hospital staff reported scenes of chaos and panic as patients were evacuated, with a number of them left without access to urgent medical care. Among the casualties was a 12-year-old boy who died before treatment could be administered.

In a statement released by the Jerusalem Patriarchate, under whose jurisdiction the hospital operates, Patriarch Theophilos called the attack a "blow to a sanctuary of healing on the land of the Divine Healer." He added, “We cannot turn away from this pain, but we respond with prayer, bearing witness to the truth that mercy is stronger than hatred.”

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the airstrike, claiming the hospital building was being used as a Hamas command center. The military emphasized that efforts were made to minimize civilian harm, including pre-attack warnings and the use of precision-guided munitions. Despite these measures, the hospital suffered significant damage, prompting widespread concern from humanitarian and religious organizations.

The Patriarch has called for an immediate investigation into the incident and urged all parties to protect civilians and safeguard critical infrastructure such as hospitals and places of worship. Quoting from the Book of Revelation, he concluded his message: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain.”

The airstrike comes amid renewed hostilities in Gaza. Although the official ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ended on March 1, a fragile calm had persisted amid ongoing mediation efforts. However, the Israeli military resumed strikes on March 18, citing Hamas’ refusal to accept a U.S.-backed ceasefire extension and hostage release proposal.

As tensions rise, humanitarian access to Gaza remains severely restricted, with electricity supplies cut and aid deliveries halted — deepening the crisis for civilians caught in the crossfire.