Amid the controversy surrounding the cause of the deadly explosion at Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) posted a video on social media, asserting that the blast was the result of a “failed rocket launch” by the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization, not an airstrike. The video displayed damage to vehicles in the hospital parking lot and suggested that a fire broke out due to the failed rocket launch.
The IDF claimed there were no visible craters or significant damage to nearby buildings, which would be expected from an airstrike. The Islamic Jihad movement denied these allegations, stating they do not use public facilities like hospitals for military purposes. The hospital, which was providing shelter to thousands of displaced people, sustained significant damage, with victims still trapped under the rubble.
The casualty figures are disputed, with Hamas reporting around 500 deaths and the Palestinian Health Ministry stating the fatalities ranged from 200 to 300. Gaza is grappling with a humanitarian crisis as the conflict has displaced approximately 600,000 people, straining hospitals already overwhelmed with casualties. The United Nations raised concerns about depleting essential supplies like food, water, and vital medications in Gaza.