The last few hours in Israel and Gaza seem extremely critical, as a barrage of events give the sense that we may be on the verge of a diversion with a complete loss of whatever control has so far allowed the geographical limitation of the conflict in the Gaza Strip. With the difference, of course, that the blood continues to flow, alongside desperate diplomatic efforts to prevent the worst and free the hostages.
The blow to a hospital in Gaza, with reports possibly talking about 500 dead, was attributed to the Israeli Air Force. First, it should be recalled that Hamas very often built control centers, shelters for the leadership and weapons depots under hospitals and mosques. The Liberal Globe had reported that the Israeli Air Force would be quick to strike them while the memories of Hamas’ atrocities during the invasion of Israeli soil were still fresh.
However, the ferocity of the impact at the hospital, coupled with the lack of further information on whether there was anything at the scene, raises the possibility that this was a tragic mistake, one of many that occurs in such situations. Consequently, interest now turns to which side will be charged for the carnage. Something expected is happening here.
Hamas was quick to attribute the blow to the Israelis, with the obvious aim of finalizing a heavy communication blow, certainly on the victims of this tragedy. After the numbing of the first hour, the Israelis question the version of Hamas, they are given another, which involves Islamic Jihad. An organization much more extreme than Hamas.
Firing rockets, they passed through the area and one that malfunctioned hit the hospital, detonating a weapons cache… Obviously more evidence will be needed to establish. However, some early videos from the scene do not indicate an aerial missile seeking to neutralize an underground target. No one expects any side to take responsibility, since even a “mea culpa” would be aggravating.
A video released by the Palestinians shows an Israeli JDAM being dropped on Gaza that has the exact same sound as the missile that destroyed the hospital.
- On the other hand, an audio released today by the Israeli armed forces reveals conversations between Hamas officials, where it is stated that the strike was carried out by a Palestinian Ayyash 250 rocket.
The conversation states the following:
Hamas Operative #1 I’m telling you this is the first time we’ve seen a rocket like this fall and that’s why we say it belongs to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad
Hamas Operative #2 What is this?
Hamas Operative #1 They say he belongs to PIJ.
Hamas Operative #2 Is it one of us?
Hamas Operative #1 This is what it looks like!
Hamas Operative #2 Who Says That?
Hamas Operative #2 What are you saying (name)?
Hamas Operative #1 But God bless him, couldn’t he find another place to explode?
Hamas Operative #2 It’s okay, yes, (Name), they shot him out of the cemetery behind the hospital.
Hamas Operative #1 What?! What;!
Hamas Operative #2 They launched him from the cemetery behind Al-Ma’amadani Hospital, and he misfired and landed on them.
Hamas Operative #1 Is there a cemetery behind this?
Hamas Operative #2 Yes, Al-Ma’amadani is right in the compound.
Hamas Operative #1 Where is he when you enter the compound?
Hamas Operative #2 You enter the compound first and do not go towards the city and it is on the right side of Al-Ma’amadani Hospital.
Hamas Operative #1 Yes, I know.
Hamas Operative #1 They say the shrapnel from the rocket is local shrapnel, not Israeli shrapnel.
So it seems that there is a communication battle between Israel and the Palestinians about who caused the disaster in the hospital in Gaza and who will ultimately be “charged”.
In no case did either the Israelis or the Palestinians hit the hospital intentionally.
The insult was unintentional, i.e. it was done by mistake, because the Israelis had no interest in causing such a massacre as everyone would turn against them.
However, this strike, if carried out by the Israelis, was either due to incorrect information, which also caused a mistargeting, or due to a malfunction of the JDAM missile guidance system, or because the Israeli pilots were trying to hit Hamas targets in real time and did not catch on. to correctly assess the situation.
For example, if there was a Hamas rocket launcher on the roof of the hospital, it is possible that they would attempt to destroy it immediately without assessing whether the building was a hospital or something else.
However, a big question mark is the size of the explosion, as it caused a very large destruction that cannot be justified by the loading of a Palestinian rocket.
It is very likely that the Hamas operatives inside the hospital had stored ammunition, perhaps even fuel, and that is how this result was caused.
A clear and unequivocal answer cannot be given at this time. But, so many hours later, we don’t see any collapsed building, to justify “up to 800 dead” being broadcast, nor images of carnage, with which Hamas would logically rush to feed the international media. But let us wait a few more hours, showing great care, because after so many war experiences everyone has learned that the truth is the first casualty of a conflict…
The Jewish state, however, has found itself at a disadvantage, which usually happens when a conflict escalates, whether it is right or wrong. The developments, however, seem to blow up the upcoming trip of American President Biden, during which he seemed willing to even visit Gaza. This fact makes us think about who and for what reason would not wish to make such a visit. And let’s not rush to recognize representatives of a single side. The answer to this question would help draw up… a list of possible suspects.
However, such incidents are common in wars in the region, as well as their exploitation. The situation is very difficult. the Arab regimes of the region and beyond are canceling any plans to meet with Biden, blowing his initiative up in the air. One wonders if it is safe for Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ trip to Israel to take place, but also the results it could have.
At the same time, everyone is preparing for the worst. As reported by Israeli media, Israel’s National Security Council has issued a travel warning for Turkey and Morocco, fearing that Israelis could become targets, either of retaliation, or of abduction-captivity by extremists, at the risk of even losing their their life. It is interesting that the Israeli National Security Council reports that it is raising the alert in Turkey to “level 4”, calling on all Israelis to leave as soon as possible.
