Statement from the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces on the recent strike at al-Ahli hospital in Gaza

October 21, 2023 – Ottawa, ON – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Analysis conducted independently by the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command indicates with a high degree of confidence that Israel did not strike the al-Ahli hospital on 17 October 2023.  Based on analysis of open source and classified reporting, the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces assess that the strike was more likely caused by an errant rocket fired from Gaza. This assessment is informed by an analysis of the blast damage to the hospital complex, including adjacent buildings and the area surrounding the hospital, as well as the flight pattern of the incoming munition. Reporting from Canada’s allies corroborates DND/CAF’s findings. We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.