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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
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,…
— Israel ישראל 🇮🇱 (@Israel) October 17, 2023
“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.
The U.S. Department of Defense declined to address the mass casualty event at the Gaza hospital, though 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.
The post Fatal explosion in Gaza hospital result of failed launch by Islamic Jihad, IDF says appeared first on The Forward.