In a note verbale to the Heads of Mission of Israel and Palestine to the UN and to the Security Council members, the Permanent Mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the United Nations in New York has made an appeal to stop the escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, after five days of hostilities. Over 100 people have been killed in Gaza city and 7 in Israel since clashes started last Monday.

“We deplore the loss of life and the injuries suffered by innocent people, especially children, during this period and we request that efforts be made at the highest level to protect and preserve hospitals, clinics, health care facilities and schools and colleges in both countries, as well as aid workers and volunteers serving local communities” the Order of Malta’s Ambassador to the UN in New York, Paul Beresford-Hill, said in the statement.

The Order of Malta is actively engaged in the region where it manages the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem and supports the St. John Ophthalmic Hospital in East Jerusalem. “Considering the paucity of primary health care available to those living in the Palestinian territories, we ask that the Holy Family Hospital be protected as much as possible during this conflict. We ask the same for the St. John Ophthalmic Hospital so that their commitment to those they serve can continue unimpeded” Ambassador Beresford-Hill noted, calling for a swift resolution of differences in a spirit of conciliation and peace.

This week’s violence in Gaza and Israel is the worst since 2014 and has seen an incessant exchange of Israeli airstrikes and Palestinian rocket fire.