Human Rights Watch published a controversial report indicating that there is evidence suggesting that "a rocket launched accidentally" is "likely" the cause of the explosion that resulted in significant loss of life and injuries at the Baptist Hospital in Gaza on October 17. The shelling of the Baptist Hospital sparked widespread outrage across the Arab world. Palestinians claimed it was the result of an Israeli air raid, while Israel alleged that "the cause was a Palestinian rocket launched accidentally." The Gaza Ministry of Health reported 471 fatalities, while Israel questioned this figure. A declassified US intelligence report estimated the death toll "at a minimum range of 100 to 300."
Human Rights Watch stated that "the explosion that led to the death and injury of many civilians at the Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza on October 17, 2023, appeared to be caused by a rocket, similar to those used by armed Palestinian factions." They added that their investigation results were based on a review of photos, videos, satellite images, and interviews with witnesses and experts. The explosion at the Baptist Hospital was one of the most controversial incidents in the Gaza war since October 7, amidst accusations against Israel of misinformation and war crimes.
Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas official, told Reuters that all indicators point to Israeli responsibility, adding that the Human Rights Watch report is "biased towards Israel and not conclusive." He stated, "Human Rights Watch has not provided any evidence to support its findings, nor witness testimonies or an opinion from independent military exports," noting that "Hamas" received questions from Human Rights Watch two weeks ago but requested that they postpone their report until after the war.
Emmanuel Nahshon, deputy director-general for public diplomacy at the Israeli Foreign Ministry, criticized the time it took Human Rights Watch to issue their opinion. He wrote on the social media platform X, "More than a month to arrive at a tepid conclusion that the whole world reached after two days." Meanwhile, Naim pointed out that "Hamas" offered Human Rights Watch or any other international investigative committee complete cooperation if they were willing to visit Gaza and conduct a thorough investigation.
The organization noted that reports indicating 471 deaths and 342 injuries "show an unusually high ratio of fatalities to injuries," and this seems "disproportionate" to the apparent damage at the site. Furthermore, Ida Sawyer, crisis and conflict director at Human Rights Watch, stated that "the authorities in Gaza and Israel should release any evidence related to the munitions residue and other information regarding the explosion at the Baptist Hospital to allow for a comprehensive investigation."
Israeli hospitals were also shelled during the war between Israel and Hamas, with all hospitals in the northern part of the Gaza Strip ceasing normal operations, although they continue to shelter some patients who could not flee as well as displaced persons.
