The Gaza Hospital Blast: Unraveling the Facts Behind the Devastating Explosion

Middle East Gaza hospital blast: what we know about the explosion

In the midst of the ongoing conflict between the Israeli military and the Hamas militant group, a devastating blast occurred at Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza. The explosion resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians, and both Israeli and Palestinian officials have been quick to blame each other for this tragedy. This incident occurred just before U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel, adding another layer of complexity to the already tense situation.

WHO BOMBED THE HOSPITAL IN GAZA?

Both Israelis and Palestinians have been holding each other responsible for the hospital bombing. President Biden, who has consistently supported Israel throughout the conflict, stated that based on the information available to him, the blast appeared to be the result of an errant rocket fired by a “terrorist group.” This aligns with Israel’s view. However, some Western countries have called for an investigation without assigning blame at this stage, while Arab states have unequivocally blamed Israel.

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE HOSPITAL?

Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, founded in 1882 and run by the Anglican church, describes itself as “a haven of peace in the middle of one of the world’s most troubled places.” It offers 80 beds and provides various services, including a free program to detect breast cancer, a center for elderly women, and a mobile clinic offering free services to surrounding towns. The hospital is located in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, in the northern region of the Gaza Strip.

HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE IN THE HOSPITAL?

Although Al-Ahli Arab Hospital had a limited number of beds, it had been overwhelmed with casualties beyond its capacity since the start of the Israeli airstrikes in response to the Hamas attack on October 7. Additionally, people sought refuge in hospitals throughout Gaza, believing them to be safe havens against strikes. Dr. Fadel Naim, the head of orthopedic surgery, reported that there were approximately 1,000 people in the hospital on Tuesday morning, with more rushing in later after the Israeli army warned residents in the Zeitoun neighborhood to evacuate their homes. Dr. Ibrahim Al-Naqa stated that over 3,000 people sought refuge at the hospital at the time of the strike.

WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE THE STRIKE?

Israel had previously advised Palestinians in the north of Gaza, including Gaza City, to move south for their own safety. Specifically, the Israeli military informed residents of the Zeitoun neighborhood to evacuate south on Tuesday via a message issued on the social media platform X. The Kuwaiti specialized hospital in Rafah city, located in the south of Gaza, reported receiving two Israeli warnings to evacuate, but its director decided not to comply.

WHAT DETAILS DO WE HAVE ABOUT THE STRIKE?

Dr. Fadel Naim stated that he had just finished one surgery and was about to start another when he heard a massive explosion. The blast occurred around 6:30 p.m. (1530 GMT), according to Dr. Naqa.

WHAT DAMAGE WAS SUSTAINED?

Footage and images from inside the hospital showed around two dozen destroyed vehicles in its grounds, surrounded by damaged buildings with blown-out windows. Blood stains were visible on the walls and ground.

WHAT HAVE THE PALESTINIANS SAID?

Palestinian officials have blamed Israel for the hospital blast. Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian militant group allied with Hamas, denied any involvement, stating that it had no activity in or around Gaza City at the time of the explosion. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh held the United States responsible, claiming that Washington had provided Israel with “the cover for its aggression.” The health minister of the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority also accused Israel of committing a “massacre.”

WHAT HAS ISRAEL SAID?

Israel has denied any responsibility for the blast, stating that it was caused by a failed rocket launch by Islamic Jihad. An Israeli army spokesperson explained that the analysis of the Israel Defense Forces’ operational systems indicated that a barrage of rockets was fired by militants in Gaza, passing in close proximity to the hospital at the time it was hit. The spokesperson asserted, “Intelligence from multiple sources we have in our hands indicates that Islamic Jihad is responsible for the failed rocket launch which hit the hospital in Gaza.” The military also released audio and a transcript of a conversation between two Hamas militants who claimed that an Islamic Jihad rocket had misfired. However, the authenticity of these materials has not been independently verified.

WHAT HAS THE UNITED STATES SAID?

President Biden has placed blame on Palestinian militants for the hospital blast. He expressed his deep sadness and outrage, stating that based on the information he had seen, it appeared as though the explosion was caused by the “other team.”

WHAT HAS THE ANGLICAN CHURCH SAID?

The Archbishop of Canterbury and head of the Anglican Church, Justin Welby, expressed his sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in the hospital blast. The Ahli hospital is run by the Anglican church. He called for the protection of civilians and for mercy to prevail amidst the devastating war.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE REACTION IN THE REGION?

The hospital strike has sparked anger among Arab governments and groups in the region. Protests have taken place in several Arab countries, with demonstrators denouncing what they perceive as an Israeli attack on the hospital. Jordan’s King Abdullah squarely blamed Israel for the blast and canceled a summit on Gaza that was scheduled to be held in Amman. Egypt also accused Israel, and Iran-based Hezbollah in Lebanon condemned the attack, calling for protests. The Beirut government has declared a national day of mourning.

The continued blame game between Israelis and Palestinians, each supported by their respective allies, highlights the deep divisions and complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The disputed narratives further fuel the cycle of violence and hinder the prospects for peace. It is crucial for there to be an independent and thorough investigation into the hospital blast to determine the facts and hold the responsible party accountable. Without a transparent and impartial investigation, trust and credibility will continue to erode between the parties involved.

It is also essential for the international community to play a role in de-escalating the conflict and facilitating meaningful dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. Diplomatic efforts, such as the cancellation of the summit by Jordan and the condemnation by other Arab countries, signal the need for a comprehensive and inclusive peace process.

Furthermore, this tragedy underscores the urgent need to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire of the conflict. Hospitals and other essential infrastructure must be protected to prevent further loss of innocent lives. All parties must adhere to international humanitarian law and strive to minimize harm to civilians.

The path to lasting peace in the Middle East is fraught with challenges and complexities, but it is not an impossible goal. It requires sincere commitment, empathy, and a willingness to engage in difficult conversations. The international community, including regional and global powers, must come together to support a just and lasting solution that respects the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.