Minority massacres increase strain on Syrian hospitals

This article was first published in The Melbourne Anglican on 22 March 2025.

Aid agencies warn their ability to respond to recent massacres in Syria has been jeopardised by hospital closures due to funding cuts, including the United States Agency for International Development.

Closures increased pressure on remaining hospitals by 50 per cent prior to the massacres, compromising their ability to treat patients.

Church leaders across the globe have condemned the targeting of minority groups, including Christians, in Syria.

More than a thousand civilians were reportedly killed in communities on the west coast of Syria earlier this month.

The World Council of Churches joined with the Heads of Churches in Syria to denounce the targeting of innocent civilians, mostly from the Alawite community but also other minority religious groups.

WCC general secretary the Reverend Professor Dr Jerry Pillay called on all Syrians to work toward a future rooted in justice, healing and peace.

“We must strive for a reconciled society where the dignity of all is upheld,” he said.

Save the Children’s Syria Response director Bujar Hoxha said 45,000 people have been displaced as a result of this escalation in violence.

“Many children in Syria have already had a lifetime of war,” he said. “Now, once again, they have been cruelly thrust into brutality.”

Save the Children partner Syria Relief representative “Anas” said there is a shortage of water, electricity and bread.

“Everyone is still scared,” he said.

“Ghadi” and his family fled Jablé, one of the massacre sites, on 7 March.

“I do not dare return to my house,” he said. “There are still dead bodies on the road.”

Médicins Sans Frontières said west coast hospitals at Latakia, Tartus and Banyas each admitted more than 120 patients with gunshot wounds and other traumas.

In Jisr al Shughur, northwest Syria, the hospital received 94 patients, 13 of whom were dead upon arrival.

MSF provided trauma kits to these areas and were working to open a new project to support he Tartus emergency room, with medicine and mass-casualty response training.

“Many hospitals have been closed due to donor funding cuts, including USAID, which is jeopardising the possible reconstruction of the healthcare system that is already exhausted,” they said.

“MSF is calling for the protection of civilians, medical facilities, patients and healthcare workers in Syria.”

Image: iStock

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