(Al Jazeera Media Network) Canada has a “high degree of confidence” that Israel was not responsible for the deadly explosion at Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza, its defence department has said, adding to a flurry of claims and counterclaims about the contested blast.
The Canadian Forces Intelligence Command determined that the blast was more likely caused by an errant rocket fired from Gaza after an analysis using open-source and classified information, Minister of National Defence Bill Blair said in a statement on Sunday.
“Canada is deeply saddened by the loss of life caused by the explosion at Al Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza on October 17, 2023,” Blair said.
“We reiterate our sincere condolences to all those who lost loved ones.”
Blair added that officials would provide updates as new information becomes available.
The Department of National Defence said in a separate statement that the assessment was informed by an analysis of the blast site and the flight of the incoming munition.
“Reporting from Canada’s allies corroborates DND/CAF’s findings. We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available,” the department said.
The Canadian assessment comes after the United States and France released similar findings suggesting Israel was not behind the explosion.