Fatal explosion in Gaza hospital result of failed launch by Islamic Jihad, IDF says
Palestinians rally in solidarity with the Palestinians of the Gaza Strip in the West Bank city of Ramallah, on Oct. 17, 2023. Photo by Getty Images
This article originally appeared on Haaretz, and was reprinted here with permission. Sign up here to get Haaretz‘s free Daily Brief newsletter delivered to your inbox.
The IDF spokesperson addressed reports that Israel struck a hospital in Gaza, killing over 500 people, and said that the hospital was hit by a failed missile launched by the Islamic Jihad.
According to the IDF spokesperson, the army’s assessment is based on “intelligence information from several sources.” The statement goes on to say that “from the analysis of the IDF’s operational systems, an enemy rocket barrage was launched towards Israel and passed in the vicinity of the hospital when it was hit.”
Breaking: IDF Spokesperson
— Israel ישראל ?? (@Israel) October 17, 2023
From the analysis of the operational systems of the IDF, an enemy rocket barrage was carried out towards Israel, which passed through the vicinity of the hospital when it was hit.
According to intelligence information, from several sources we have,…
“Categorically do not strike any sensitive facilities – definitely not hospitals. very much aware of the presence of civilians,” IDF International Spokesperson Jonathan Conricus told CNN.
U.S. President Joe Biden, who arrived in Israel on Wednesday, said the blast at the hospital was apparently caused by Israel’s foes, according to Reuters. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh charged Hamas with “putting their command and control units inside hospitals.”
She added that the U.S. has “no confirmation” on who bears responsibility, shortly before Israel blamed a failed Islamic Jihad launch.
Five American C-17 cargo planes have delivered military assistance in the past 10 days, she added, with more deliveries to come.
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