The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has denied allegations made by the Episcopal Church that it ordered the evacuation of a hospital in Gaza City. The claim, which surfaced on July 2, 2024, has been firmly rejected by Israeli military officials, who insist no such directive was issued.
The Episcopal Church reported that the IDF had ordered the evacuation of the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, causing concern among staff and patients about their safety and the continuity of medical services. However, the IDF has categorically denied these allegations, emphasizing that it respects the sanctity of medical facilities and adheres to international humanitarian laws.
“We categorically deny the claim made by the Episcopal Church regarding the evacuation order of the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital. The IDF did not issue any such directive,” an IDF spokesperson stated. “Our operations are conducted with the utmost care to avoid harm to civilian infrastructure, including hospitals.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the IDF’s denial and stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of medical facilities in conflict zones. “Israel is committed to upholding international humanitarian standards. We ensure that our military operations do not target civilian infrastructure, especially hospitals, which are critical for providing care to those in need,” Netanyahu said.
The Episcopal Church has expressed deep concern over the reported threat to the hospital and called for protection of all medical facilities in conflict areas. “We urge all parties to respect the sanctity of medical institutions and ensure the safety and well-being of patients and healthcare workers,” a spokesperson for the Episcopal Church stated.
The international community has reacted to the conflicting reports with calls for clarity and adherence to humanitarian principles. The United Nations emphasized the importance of protecting medical facilities during armed conflicts. “Hospitals must be safe havens, not targets. We call on all parties to ensure the protection of healthcare institutions and their staff,” a UN representative said.
The United States echoed the sentiment, reiterating the need for all sides to avoid actions that could harm civilians and critical infrastructure. “We urge all parties involved in the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians and respect the sanctity of medical facilities,” a spokesperson for the US State Department said.
The European Union also called for an independent investigation into the allegations to ascertain the facts and ensure accountability. “We are concerned about the reported claims and urge a thorough investigation to determine the truth. The protection of medical facilities and civilians is paramount,” an EU representative stated.
As tensions remain high in the region, the focus will be on ensuring that all military operations adhere to international humanitarian law and that any claims of misconduct are thoroughly investigated. The IDF’s denial of the evacuation order highlights the complexities and challenges of operating in a conflict zone where misinformation can easily spread.
