An analysis by the Canadian Armed Forces Intelligence Command concluded that the explosion was more likely caused by a rocket fired from Gaza.
Canada has a “high level of confidence” that Israel was not responsible for the deadly explosion at Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza, the Defense Ministry said, adding to a barrage of claims and counter-claims about the controversial blast.
The Canadian Armed Forces Intelligence Command concluded after an analysis using publicly available and classified information that the explosion was more likely caused by a rocket fired from Gaza, Defense Minister 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 extend our sincere condolences to all those who have lost loved ones.”
Blair added that officials would provide updates as new information becomes available.
The Defense Ministry said in a separate statement that the assessment was based on an analysis of the explosion site and the flight of incoming munitions.
“Reporting from Canada’s allies confirms DND/CAF’s findings. We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available,” the department said.
The Canadian assessment came after the United States and France released similar findings suggesting Israel was not behind the explosion.
On Friday, France’s military intelligence directorate said its intelligence indicated that a stray Palestinian rocket with an explosive charge of about five kilograms was the likely cause of the explosion.
The cause of the explosion at Al-Ahli Hospital and the resulting death toll are bitterly disputed.
Palestinian officials blamed an Israeli airstrike, while Israel said the explosion was caused by a misfiring rocket fired by Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which has denied responsibility.
An Al Jazeera investigation cast doubt on Israeli statements that a flash captured on a live news broadcast showed a Palestinian rocket misfiring before hitting the hospital.
According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, 471 people were killed in the explosion. According to Israel, the death toll was deliberately increased.
US intelligence agencies estimate the death toll at between 100 and 300 people.
On Friday, the United Nations called for an independent investigation into the explosion.