More than a week after a deadly explosion at the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, questions remain unanswered about what exactly happened and who is responsible. The blast, which occurred on October 17, has become a highly contested event in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Conflicting Narratives:
Hamas initially claimed that the explosion killed 471 people, while US officials estimated the number to be between 100 and 300. The exact toll remains unverified as investigations continue and access to the explosion site remains limited.

Disputed Responsibility:
Hamas quickly blamed Israel for the rocket strike, but Israel rejected any involvement and attributed the blast to a failed rocket launch by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Western governments, including the UK, France, and Canada, have also stated their analyses indicate that the blast was not caused by an Israeli missile, but rather by a rocket fired from within Gaza.

Independent Investigations:
Numerous news organizations and independent investigation teams have embarked on their own probes to uncover the truth. Despite the dangerous conditions, these efforts aim to provide more clarity surrounding the incident.

Forensic Audio and Sound Analysis:
NGOs specializing in human rights' investigations, such as Earshot, conducted audio and photographic analyses to shed light on the events. Doppler sound mapping analysis suggested that the rocket did not originate from southwest Gaza as claimed by the Israelis. Instead, it is believed to have come from a variety of possible firing points east of the hospital. However, experts caution that this technique has limitations, particularly if basic evidence is lacking or if the sound is unclear.

Ongoing Calls for Investigation:
The explosion at the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital has underscored the need for an independent investigation, with entities such as the United Nations emphasizing the necessity for a thorough examination of the incident.

As investigations continue, the truth about the deadly hospital explosion in Gaza City remains elusive. Clarity is sought amidst the conflicting narratives, disputed responsibility, and ongoing independent investigations. The international community continues to emphasize the importance of a comprehensive and impartial examination of the events that unfolded on October 17.