The Anglican bishop of Jerusalem has expressed "deep shock and dismay" over the recent occupation of the Episcopal church's hospital in Nablus by Israeli soldiers.

"The parish priest and the hospital administrator of St. Luke's have been denied access to the building and the priest was warned he would be shot if such an attempt were made," said Bishop Riah Abu el Assal, adding there was "real panic" at the situation and he was concerned for the patients, staff and the local community.