USPG: Anglicans in World Mission has sent an emergency grant of £1,000 to a hospital in Gaza struggling under food and medicine shortages.

Despite reports that Israel was preparing to remove a number of roadblocks and checkpoints, Palestinians have faced an increase in travel restrictions over the past weeks.

As Israeli troops moved in to tighten Gaza border controls, the Al Ahli Arab Hospital, run by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, found itself faced with shortages in essential supplies.

"We are living under a very stressful situation. God knows what the coming days will bring to us," said hospital director Suhaila Tarazi.

"We are fearful of the separation of Gaza from the West Bank and the entire world. Israel has continued to impose a tight siege on the borders and commercial crossing points. This closure deprives the Gazans of their right to freedom of movement."

Ms Tarazi said that some of the worst affected by the border restrictions were students unable to attend universities and sick patients stuck without access to health services in Israel. She also said that the travel restrictions were putting food stocks "at risk".

Hospitals and primary clinics were also suffering from "serious shortages" of medicine and medical supplies, she said.

"All hospitals, including Ahli, are currently suffering from crucial shortages of anesthesia drugs. Due to the shortages, elective surgeries have been cancelled," stated Ms Tarazi.

She added that the food and medical shortages were being compounded by ongoing attacks by Israeli occupying forces and incursions into Gaza villages and towns.

Despite the hardships, the hospital remains determined to continue providing its vital healthcare services, which includes outreach to poor families.

"Despite the current atrocities and constraints, Ahli has continued to intensify its efforts to save the lives of many. The Ahli emergency team is working around the clock," said Ms Tarazi.

"Moreover, we have continued to operate the medical outreach missions, which provide 300 poor families with free medical treatment, emergency food baskets and other commodities."

The £1000 grant from USPG will enable to the hospital to renew its medical stocks. Ms Tarazi told USPG: "Your support will enable us to continue giving hope to the hopeless and medical care to the needy."