JERUSALEM, 12 January 2009--The ACT International hospital in the densely populated Shijaiya in Gaza was reduced to rubble with all equipment and medical supplies completely destroyed Saturday, when the building was hit by an Israeli missile. The health care centre will no longer be able too offer services to the residents in the neighborhood now, when they need it the most.

The centre is located in the eastern borders of Gaza city, an area which is constantly bombarded and targeted by the Israeli army, with a high rate of casualties and wounded.

The building was targeted by F16 fighter jets of the Israeli Air Force. The Middle East Church Council, that runs the clinic, was renting its offices in the three store building. According to the church council, the Israelis were targeting the owner of the building who was residing in the upper part of the building.

The Health Care Centre was established in 1968 to tend to the needs of the Shijaiya community, which is known for its high population density and where the majority of the residents are living under the poverty line. Almost all residents in the clinic vicinity are in no state to afford any medical treatment, purchase of medicine, or doctor visits. The Centre used to offer treatment free-of-charge and medical services to the public and was considered a valuable and very helpful clinic. The Centre had concentrated its service on pregnant women, children.

###

The Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR) of the Middle East Council of Churches, contributed to this report.

Action by Churches Together (ACT) International is a global alliance of churches and related agencies working to save lives and support communities in emergencies worldwide.

Media contact:
Tomm Kristiansen, Communications Officer (office: +41 22 791 6039 / mobile: +41 79 358 3171 / tkr@act-intl.org )

Sidney Traynham, Assistant Communications Officer (office: +41 22 791 6711 / mobile: +41 79 681 1868 / sjt@act-intl.org )