CNN conducted a forensic analysis of imagery and footage related to the explosion at Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, which killed hundreds of Palestinians. While the exact cause of the blast is still unclear, CNN’s assessment suggests that a rocket launched from Gaza broke apart midair, with part of it landing at the hospital complex. Weapons and explosive experts, who reviewed the evidence, believe this to be the most likely scenario, although they acknowledge the challenges in confirming it without physical evidence. Israel claims that a “misfired” rocket by the militant group Islamic Jihad caused the blast, a claim supported by US intelligence. However, Palestinian officials and Arab leaders accuse Israel of targeting the hospital. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in misinformation and false claims online, making it difficult to ascertain the truth. CNN’s investigation aims to provide additional insight into the blast beyond official statements from Israel and the US.
Video footage analyzed by CNN shows a rocket fired from Gaza changing trajectory before exploding and leaving a bright streak of light in the night sky above Gaza City. The camera position was verified, allowing CNN to determine that the rocket originated from an area south of Gaza City. Another video, taken from Tel Aviv and synced with the Al Jazeera live feed, shows a volley of rockets from Gaza shortly before the blast. Weapons experts believe that the rocket seen in the Al Jazeera video burned out in the sky before crashing into the hospital grounds, but they cannot definitively link the two incidents due to the challenges of analyzing a malfunctioning rocket’s trajectory. Some speculation on social media suggests that Israel’s Iron Dome defense system caused the rocket to break up, but there is no evidence to support this claim.
The sound of the explosion captured on video is analyzed by experts who conclude that it does not resemble a high-grade military explosive. Panic ensues inside the hospital as staff members scramble to help the wounded. Dr. Fadel Na’eem, head of the orthopedic department, recounts the chaos and devastation caused by the blast. He also mentions that the hospital had been targeted three days earlier, with the Israeli military allegedly failing to warn them beforehand. CNN is unable to independently verify this claim and has reached out to the IDF for comment. The IDF has denied targeting hospitals, but the situation remains unclear.
