Open Source Videos Investigate Gaza Hospital Explosion

The United Nations calls for an international investigation into the catastrophic explosion at the al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, creating a concerning international narrative. The calamitous occurrence, which unfolded in the wake of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, has entangled the region and international community in a web of accusations and counter-accusations.

Palestinian sources were quick to pin the blame on an Israeli bombardment, while an Israeli army announcement countered with claiming the cause was a misplaced rocket by Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a story that gained support from Israel's ally, the United States. However, the Islamic group was quick to deny the allegations. Arab states rallied behind the Palestinian narrative, casting responsibility on Israel.

Reports from the Palestinian health ministry place the death toll from the calamitous explosion at over 470, a figure disputed by Israel. U.S. intelligence gives a more moderate estimate, placing the casualty number anywhere between 100 to 300 individuals.

In a recent collaborative effort, several news agencies, including Al Jazeera, have sought to uncover the truth through a meticulous study of video footage from the incident. These investigations challenge the official Israeli narrative and dispel claims of an errant rocket attack. Analyses by Al Jazeera's Sanad verification team and Channel 4 suggest evidence actually indicates an explosion from Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system intercepting a missile launched from the Gaza Strip. There is still no definitive answer as to who is responsible for the second, much larger explosion that devastated al-Ahli hospital.

Meticulous examinations carried out by Channel 4, Bellingcat, and the PAX Protection of Civilians team provide further evidence conflicting with the Israeli narrative. Small craters indicative of mortar strikes rather than missile attacks, along with the relatively minimal structural damage to surrounding buildings suggests that a different type of artillery was used, contradicting the typical weaponry utilized by Israel.