A CNN investigation has discovered new evidence that a rocket fired by Palestinian militants, and not an Israeli airstrike, may have caused the tragic hospital blast that occurred in the Gaza Strip on June 11th, 2021.
Conducted in collaboration with digital media experts from Storyful, the investigation analyzed geo-located photographic and video evidence as well as witness accounts from the scene of the incident. This evidence has shed light on the controversial event which has been widely disputed since it occurred.
The investigation found that a rocket was launched from near the hospital at around 8am and that the explosion took place around seven minutes after this launch had occurred. Multiple photographs taken of the explosion also appeared to be consistent with the type of explosion usually associated with a rocket launch.
Witness accounts further suggested that a rocket – though not necessarily originating from within the Gaza Strip – had caused the explosion. Witnesses described the sound of a launch, the trail of smoke from an object as it moved across the sky, and a suddenly-expanding mushroom cloud shortly before the explosion.
Additionally, the press credentials of journalists who had been present were geo-located near the site of the rocket launch seconds after it landed, providing further corroboration that a rocket had been fired in the vicinity.
The CNN investigation has presented an important new perspective on the tragic incident at the Gaza Strip hospital. The findings provide a stronger suggestion that the destruction caused by the explosion was from a rocket, not an Israeli airstrike as was originally suspected.
It is not yet known who launched the rocket. However, it is clear that this tragic incident highlights the need for improved conflict resolution and peace-building in the region.