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UK intel ‘solves’ hospital blast mystery, Sunak says missile likely fired from within Gaza

Gaza hospitals at the verge of running out of fuels

UK PM Rishi Sunak in House of Commons on Monday | AFP

United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday agreed with Western leaders regarding the recent hospital blast in Gaza. Sunak announced that British Intelligence has found a missile launched from Gaza into Israel likely caused the devastation at Al Ahli hospital.

“The British government judges that the explosion was likely caused by a missile, or part of one, that was launched from within Gaza towards Israel,” Sunak said in the parliament.

"The misreporting of this incident had a negative effect in the region, including on a vital US diplomatic effort and on tensions here at home," he added.

Britain’s intelligence findings are in line with Canada, France and United States.

While speaking in the parliament, Sunak also pointed out an additional £20m humanitarian aid is being provided to Gaza civilians.

After the deadly attack on Gaza hospital, United States President Joe Biden backed Israel's claim that the Al Ahli hospital blast was not caused by an Israeli air strike, but rather caused by a misfiring Palestinian rocket.

"Based on what I've seen, it appears as through it was done by the other team, not you," Biden was quoted by BBC.

Meanwhile, Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau initially said he was not ready to accept the US's finding. However, later Canada's National Department of Defence said Israel was not responsible.

Palestinian officials had said the incident had killed 471 people.

Israel had released evidence saying Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), another militant group operating in Gaza was responsible due to a misfiring rocket.

Meanwhile, Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE condemned Israel for the explosion.

Hospitals at the brink of running out of fuel

Hospitals in Gaza are in a grave peril. The neonatal wards in the hospitals are fearing deaths of premature babies as they are likely to soon run out of fuel.

At least 130 premature babies are at grave risk across six neonatal units. According to al-Aqsa hospital's director Abu Zahar, once the generator stops, these babies are likely to perish as many relay on ventilator support.

According to WHO, at least 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza are unable to access essential health services, and some 5,500 are due to give birth in the coming month.

At least seven of the almost 30 hospitals have been forced to shut down due to damage from relentless Israeli strikes and lack of power, water and other supplies.

Aid workers said none of the trucks that entered into Gaza on Saturday provided enough fuel. They hope that the upcoming trucks carrying aid provide enough fuel to last for few days. Some hospitals are at the brink of running out of fuel within hours.

Two aid convoys arrived in Gaza Strip through Rafah border over the weekend.

According to Gaza Health Ministry, over 5,000 Palestinians were killed since the Hamas attack on October 7. In the occupied West Bank, 96 Palestinians were killed in violence and raids.

Hostage situation

As Israel is gearing up for ground attack, the United States has advised Israel to delay the attack as it would allow more time for the nation to release the hostages.

Hamas had released two American hostages. Reportedly, it was Qatar’s mediation with Hamas that paved way for the release of hostages.

Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has claimed the Hamas has 222 hostages including foreigners.