Exclusive: WNM Geolocates Gaza Hospital Bombing Video

In the midst of the ongoing conflict between HAMAS and Israel, the explosion that rocked Al-Ahli Hospital in the Gaza Strip emerged as a pivotal moment. This incident led to the loss of numerous lives, with hundreds of civilians who had sought shelter within the hospital premises falling victim to the blast. While HAMAS immediately blamed Israel for the attack, Israel countered by suggesting that a malfunctioning Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) rocket might have been the cause. Regardless of the conflicting narratives, the global response was immediate and intense: anti-Israel rallies and protests erupted across the world.

The moment the rocket hit Al-Ahli Hospital was captured on two videos that went viral. One of the videos shows a fire on the hospital grounds.

(Source: חדשות מהשטח בטלגרם/Telegram)
Location of the video is: 31°30’17.82″N, 34°27’43.99″E. The hospital’s layout and satellite imagery confirm the authenticity of the video. The buildings of the hospital match the pictures on Google Maps and Google Earth.

(Source: Google Earth/Google Maps)

Subsequently, two crucial videos surfaced, capturing the precise moment the missile struck the hospital. One of these videos, broadcast by Al-Jazeera, purportedly showed the rocket responsible for the attack.

(Source: Al Jazeera)

Key details within the footage, such as the presence of the El-Wafa Medical Rehab building, enabled WNM to determine the video’s location relative to the hospital.

Then, to establish the authenticity of the events in the video, WNM synchronized and combined Al Jazeera’s video with another viral footage of the blast:

Al-Jazeera’s broadcast shows the moment a rocket exploded in the air, as well as the moment the shell hit the hospital building. Analysis revealed a synchronicity in the explosion’s flash and subsequent smoke cloud, confirming they depicted the same incident. Also, note the behind-the-scene flash at the 20-second mark.

A further close-up video of the explosion, though previously unlocated, was likely connected to the Al-Ahli Hospital incident.

Through meticulous cross-referencing, the WNM team successfully geolocated this video using the clues captured:

Crucial details within the footage, such as the orientation of a solar panel illuminated by the blast, helped establish the building’s approximate location and layout: south of the hospital, featuring distinct corner balconies.

A video posted on YouTube by “أميرة Princess I” shows the aerial view of the neighborhood and gives a clear view of the residential building.

The identified building, located adjacent to a church that suffered destruction on 19 October, is visible in journalists’ photographs, confirming its authenticity.

 

(Source: Motaz_Azaiza/Instagram)
Notably, the third floor balcony perfectly aligns with the video, conclusively establishing the precise location of the person recording the video when the rocket struck the hospital grounds.

The exact coordinates for the location are:  31°30’12.81″N,  34°27’44.77″E

This detailed investigation offers significant insights into the tragic events at Al-Ahli Hospital. The meticulous analysis not only verifies the authenticity of the footage but also serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of conflicts in the region.

After the hospital explosion, another blast around the nearby church has raised questions, sparking a need for further research and exploration.