In the aftermath of the tragic Gaza hospital blast, we delve into the details, the claims, and the global reactions surrounding this devastating incident.
The recent explosion that rocked Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza has left many questions unanswered. While it triggered widespread protests, both Israel and the United States have presented their assessments of the incident, pointing fingers at different culprits.
What Occurred at the Hospital?
Video footage captured the horrifying moment of the blast at Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, revealing a sudden and massive explosion on the hospital premises, casting flames and smoke into the sky.
Inside the building, chaos ensued. Dr. Fadel Na’eem, the head of the orthopedic department, described a deafening blast interrupting surgery, leading to panic among the staff. They rushed into the operating room, calling for help and reporting numerous casualties. Dr. Na’eem stated, “We thought it’s outside the hospital because we never thought that they would bomb the hospital.”
Leaving the operating theatre, he encountered a scene of devastation. “Many people were beheaded. Everywhere there was a big fire,” he said. “The medical team scrambled to tend to the wounded and dying, but the magnitude of the devastation was overwhelming. The number was big and huge that we can’t do anything.”
While the exact death toll remains uncertain, images shared on social media clearly depict the tragic aftermath, with young children covered in dust being rushed for treatment and lifeless bodies strewn on the ground. The Ministry of Health in Gaza reports a death toll of over 400.
Statements from Israel and Palestine
Palestinian officials swiftly blamed Israel for the attack. Israel, on the other hand, presented evidence suggesting that a misfired rocket from the Islamic Jihad group caused the explosion. The Islamic Jihad group refuted these claims.
Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) shared audio recordings allegedly capturing a conversation between two Hamas operatives discussing a rocket launch near the hospital. These recordings included the statement, “They are saying that the shrapnel of the missile is local shrapnel and not like the Israeli shrapnel.” It’s important to note that the authenticity of these recordings remains unverified.
The IDF also presented imagery, asserting that there were no visible signs of craters or substantial building damage typically associated with an airstrike. However, questions have arisen regarding the timing of a video posted by the State of Israel’s official social media account, which seemed inconsistent with the explosion’s actual time.
Adding to the complexity, officials in Gaza claimed that the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital had been damaged by Israeli shells four days prior, prompting warnings from the IDF to evacuate the premises. Verification of this claim is pending.
Insights from US Intelligence
US intelligence assessments lean towards absolving Israel of responsibility for the blast. During a visit to Israel, US President Joe Biden conveyed his belief that the damage appeared to be caused by a different party.
The US National Security Council (NSC) reinforced this stance, suggesting that Palestinian militants believed the explosion resulted from an errant rocket launch by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). Intelligence officials are exploring various data points, including blast analysis indicating a ground explosion, rather than an airstrike, as the likely cause.
While this information is valuable, it’s essential to remember that intelligence agencies continue to collect and analyze data, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the incident.
Abed Khaled/AP
Global Reactions
Numerous countries have expressed deep concern over the loss of life at the hospital and have called for a thorough investigation before assigning blame definitively. The United Nations also emphasises the need for a careful and impartial inquiry.
Israel has shared intelligence related to the Gaza hospital explosion with the United States, fostering collaboration in the investigation.
Several Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq, have condemned Israel, accusing its military of bombing the hospital. Protests erupted in various countries, with thousands of demonstrators voicing their opposition to Israeli actions.
The Gaza hospital blast remains a subject of intense scrutiny, with multiple parties presenting their perspectives. The world awaits a comprehensive investigation to shed light on this tragic incident.
