Archbishop Hosam and Gaza

That this House notes with concern the decision of the Israeli authorities to deny entry into Gaza to Archbishop Hosam Naoum of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem; further notes that the Diocese is responsible for the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, which has continued to operate throughout the current conflict despite severe limitations and extremely challenging circumstances; recognises that the Archbishop had intended to visit the hospital in order to review its situation, provide pastoral care and encouragement to staff and patients, and assess urgent humanitarian needs within the complex; acknowledges the historic presence of an ancient and resilient Christian community in Gaza; also notes that Archbishop Hosam Naoum is an Israeli citizen and the Head of his Church in the region; and calls on His Majesty’s Government to raise this matter with the Israeli authorities and to urge reconsideration of the decision in order to facilitate his pastoral visit to Al Ahli Hospital and the wider Christian community in Gaza.