Exploring the Gaza Hospital Explosion
Intelligence Suggests Israel is “Not Responsible”
The United States has stated that intelligence suggests Israel is “not responsible” for the deadly explosion at a Gaza hospital. US President Joe Biden echoed Israel’s explanation that the blast was likely caused by an “errant rocket fired by a terrorist group in Gaza.” While Palestinian officials blame Israeli airstrikes, Israel maintains its innocence. The US National Security Council (NSC) analyzed overhead imagery, intercepts, and open source information. They found that “Israel is not responsible for the explosion at the hospital in Gaza.”
Evidence Points to a Ground Explosion
Initial evidence gathered by the American intelligence community suggests that the hospital strike came from a rocket launched by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, a rival to Hamas in Gaza. Among the evidence collected is a blast analysis indicating a ground explosion rather than an airstrike. The absence of a singular crater and the presence of fire damage and scattered debris consistent with an explosion starting from the ground level support this conclusion.
Hospital Attack Raises Concerns
The hospital attack has brought the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas to a dangerous new phase. Competing narratives on the cause of the blast have fueled growing anger across the Middle East. The situation also raises concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which some fear is spiraling “out of control.”
Witnesses Describe Devastation
Dr. Ashraf Al-Qudra, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Ministry of Health, described the scenes after the blast as “unparalleled and indescribable.” Witnesses shared similar accounts, describing body parts scattered on the roads and the devastating impact on children and women. The chaos and trauma inflicted by the explosion are beyond words.
International Protests Erupt
The blast has sparked protests across the Middle East and North Africa, with demonstrators expressing their outrage over the hospital explosion. Protests condemning the incident have taken place in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Tunisia, and the occupied West Bank. These protests highlight the widespread anger and condemnation of Israel’s actions.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The fallout from the blast threatens the diplomatic efforts to alleviate the humanitarian suffering in Gaza. The region is already facing severe shortages of food, fuel, and electricity. The escalating conflict has led to the displacement of over one million people and the deterioration of essential services. The dire conditions and relentless Israeli airstrikes have created a dangerous and unstable situation for the people of Gaza.
Read More of this Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-10-18 21:21:00
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