UK intelligence services have concluded that the deadly blast at al-Ahli Arab hospital in Gazawas caused by a rocket fired by a Palestinian militant group rather than by an Israeli airstrike, Rishi Sunak has told MPs.
Briefing the Commons after his trip last week to Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the prime minister said the explosion was likely to have been caused by a missile or part of a missile launched within Gaza and towards Israel.
Sunak used this assessment to criticise some media outlets for initially reporting that the blast appeared to have been caused by Israel.
Also in the statement, Sunak stressed the need for a two-state solution, saying this was “essential” for lasting peace. He also said the UK would provide £20m for in aid to Gaza.
US intelligence has already said Washington believes the blast last Wednesday was most likely not due to an Israeli attack and instead appeared to be because of a failed rocked fired by the militant group Islamic Jihad.
The Hamas-ruled territory has said 471 people were killed. US intelligence estimates put the toll at between 100 and 300 people while saying this assessment could change.
