BREAKING Leaders of Churches in Jerusalem Call for Treatment of Gazan Children with Cancer in Israel
Statement of Support for the Work of Augusta Victoria Hospital in Treating Children with Cancer from Gaza
December 17, 2025
We, the Patriarchs and Head of the Churches Jerusalem, respectfully request from the relevant Israeli authorities permits to allow children in Gaza who have been diagnosed with leukemia to travel to the Augusta Victoria Hospital on the Mount of Olives to receive specialized treatment that is only available to them there.
Augusta Victoria is prepared to arrange for not only the transportation, but also the full care and treatment of these young and vulnerable patients, who will then be returned by the hospital to their homes in Gaza at the end of their treatment.
We make this appeal on humanitarian grounds. The treatment for this disease is not available in Gaza, and it has the potential to transform the lives of those afflicted with it. There will be no burden on the government for any cost, since it will all be borne by the hospital.
We urge permission for the treatment of these young patients to be granted as soon as possible. As with any disease, the swift delivery of treatment is essential for a good outcome. We therefore hope very much that the responsible authorities will see fit that these patients receive the medically necessary care that the excellent facilities of Augusta Victoria Hospital can provide, in order that these children can begin their journeys to recovery and health.
—The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem
The Ecumenical Churches for Middles East Peace also supported the statement:
CMEP Supports the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches’ Appeal for Children with Cancer in Gaza
Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) elevates and stands in solidarity with the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem in their statement of Support for the Work of Augusta Victoria Hospital in Treating Children with Cancer from Gaza.
We echo their urgent humanitarian appeal to the relevant Israeli authorities to grant permits allowing children in Gaza diagnosed with leukemia to travel to Augusta Victoria Hospital on the Mount of Olives for life-saving, specialized treatment that is unavailable in Gaza. These are young and vulnerable patients whose survival depends on timely access to care. Delays in treatment for childhood cancer can mean the difference between life and death.
Augusta Victoria Hospital has made clear its readiness to provide comprehensive care, arranging transportation, delivering full treatment, and ensuring the safe return of these children to their families in Gaza once treatment is complete, at no cost to the government. This request is grounded solely in humanitarian concern and medical necessity. It is a moral appeal rooted in the sanctity of life and the shared responsibility to protect children, especially in times of war.
CMEP joins the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in urging swift approval of permits so that these children can begin their journeys toward healing and health without further delay. The international community must not allow bureaucratic obstacles to stand in the way of medically necessary care for children.
Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, Executive Director of Churches for Middle East Peace, stated: “This Advent, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) has been mobilizing churches and individual Christians around the global #LetChildrenLive Campaign. What could be more important than children having unfettered access to health care for their basic needs to be met? We are working with the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem to advocate for children in Gaza to be able to receive permits and necessary travel permissions to be treated at Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem. Please join us in prayer, advocacy, and support.”
During this sacred season of Advent, as Christians await the coming of the Christ child, CMEP calls on governments, faith leaders, and people of conscience to act with compassion and urgency. Children must never be denied life-saving medical care. Granting these permits is a concrete, immediate step that can save lives and affirm our shared humanity.
CMEP remains committed to advocating alongside the churches of Jerusalem for the protection of children, the dignity of all people, and unimpeded access to humanitarian and medical care for those in greatest need.
Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) elevates and stands in solidarity with the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem in their statement of Support for the Work of Augusta Victoria Hospital in Treating Children with Cancer from Gaza.
We echo their urgent humanitarian appeal to the relevant Israeli authorities to grant permits allowing children in Gaza diagnosed with leukemia to travel to Augusta Victoria Hospital on the Mount of Olives for life-saving, specialized treatment that is unavailable in Gaza. These are young and vulnerable patients whose survival depends on timely access to care. Delays in treatment for childhood cancer can mean the difference between life and death.
Augusta Victoria Hospital has made clear its readiness to provide comprehensive care, arranging transportation, delivering full treatment, and ensuring the safe return of these children to their families in Gaza once treatment is complete, at no cost to the government. This request is grounded solely in humanitarian concern and medical necessity. It is a moral appeal rooted in the sanctity of life and the shared responsibility to protect children, especially in times of war.
CMEP joins the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in urging swift approval of permits so that these children can begin their journeys toward healing and health without further delay. The international community must not allow bureaucratic obstacles to stand in the way of medically necessary care for children.
Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, Executive Director of Churches for Middle East Peace, stated: “This Advent, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) has been mobilizing churches and individual Christians around the global #LetChildrenLive Campaign. What could be more important than children having unfettered access to health care for their basic needs to be met? We are working with the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem to advocate for children in Gaza to be able to receive permits and necessary travel permissions to be treated at Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem. Please join us in prayer, advocacy, and support.”
During this sacred season of Advent, as Christians await the coming of the Christ child, CMEP calls on governments, faith leaders, and people of conscience to act with compassion and urgency. Children must never be denied life-saving medical care. Granting these permits is a concrete, immediate step that can save lives and affirm our shared humanity.
CMEP remains committed to advocating alongside the churches of Jerusalem for the protection of children, the dignity of all people, and unimpeded access to humanitarian and medical care for those in greatest need.
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