Amid widespread outrage over the Gaza hospital bombing that killed nearly 500 civilians, the Israel Defence Forces released audio and video ‘evidences’ showing the involvement of Hamas ally Islamic Jihad in the attack. IDF took to X (formerly Twitter) and claimed that “Islamic Jihad struck a Hospital in Gaza—the IDF did not.”
A failed rocket launch by the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization hit the Al Ahli hospital in Gaza City.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 18, 2023
IAF footage from the area around the hospital before and after the failed rocket launch by the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization: pic.twitter.com/AvCAkQULAf
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) In what was claimed as conversation between Islamic Jihad men and Hamas, the operatives can be heard talking about the ‘failed rocket launch.’ The intercepted conversation showed Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives discussing the make of the shrapnel of the missile looked ‘local’ and not from Israeli side. In the second post on X, IDF shared before and after video of the bombing site.
Israel has denied any involvement in the bombing of the hospital in Gaza. Earlier in the day, an Israeli army spokesperson cited ‘multiple intel inputs’ that show a barrage of missiles were fired from within Gaza, which were in closed proximity of the hospital. Isarel called it a ‘failed rocket launch.’
What we know about the hospital?
Established in 1882 and under the administration of the Anglican church, the Al Ahli Arab Hospital characterises itself on its website as “an oasis of tranquility amidst one of the world’s most tumultuous regions.” The hospital provides 80 beds and a range of services, including a complimentary breast cancer detection program, a facility dedicated to elderly women, and a mobile clinic that delivers cost-free services to nearby towns.