In a significant update to the tragic event at a Gaza hospital which resulted in over 500 killed, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement blaming the incident on a misfired rocket.
According to IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the rocket was launched by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and was intended for Israel. However, it misfired and exploded at precisely 18:59, the same moment the hospital in Gaza was hit.
The IDF’s claim is backed by what they describe as “intelligence information from multiple sources.” These sources allegedly confirm that the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization is responsible for the failed rocket launch that led to the devastating impact on the hospital.
Their claim, accompanied by multiple news and surveillance videos, revealed that a barrage of rockets had been launched toward Israel, passing in the vicinity of the hospital when it was struck.
In the aftermath, protests erupted across the Middle East, including in Lebanon. A protest erupted outside the US Embassy in Awkar where Hezbollah, Amal, and Palestinian flags were visible.
Hezbollah called for a “day of rage” Wednesday and organized a protest in the Haret Hreik neighborhood of Beirut. Despite the heightened tensions, no immediate escalations at the border were reported.
Internationally, the incident has had diplomatic repercussions. A meeting between U.S. President Biden and the leaders of Jordan, Egypt, and Palestine was canceled. Middle Eastern leaders were quick to blame and condemn Israel for the attack.
Details about the type of rocket used by the PIJ remain scarce. Speculations suggest that the rocket was still carrying its payload when it dropped. Calls for an independent international investigation into the tragic incident are growing louder.
