IDF spokesman criticises journalists for being quick to blame Israel for strike on Gaza hospital

Israel Defense Forces International Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus has criticised journalists blaming Israel for the air strike on a hospital in Gaza.

Hamas-run health ministry says at least 500 people have been killed in the strike on the al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital but is warning the death toll could rise.

Israel’s military says the explosion at the hospital was caused by a failed launch from Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which was carried out towards Israel.

“I think that many people, journalists, have been very fast to immediately say that this explosion – calling it an attack and blaming Israel for it,” Lieutenant Colonel Conricus told Sky News Australia.

“Which I think is premature and frankly not really professional.”

Warning: this video contains distressing content.

[Youdunnome-zcdd]

I don't know what warped logic (or illogic) would allow Hamas' words to be believed without question, while Israel's word is questioned to the last fibre of evidence.

[TaiTheamTing]

Funny why the media hardly ever question HAMAS reps.

[desperado]

It just baffles me how pro hamas spokespersons are not interviewed and asked similar questions. Yet the Israelis are put under such intense scrutiny when questioned.

[jenniferbarry]

Given the severity of the situation you would think the press would be a lot more careful to check before rushing to judgement.

[xtremity]

Media should show their proof before blaming someone.

[AmericaineAParis]

LTC Conricus is very calm and competent. If I were an IDF soldier, I think I'd trust his leadership.

[CB-jcyj]

I don't understand the idiocy of the media. War is hell, get over yourselves.

[ecc]

The journalist profession has become an absolute embarrassment.

[imabarbarian]

Hamas: *"We targeted no Israeli civilians and to prove it you can ask one of our Israeli civilian hostages".*

[thekeeler]

Could Sky be any more belligerent toward a nation just attacked by an internationally recognized terrorist group?

[dharmaboy]

This was backed up by Justin Bronk, a senior research fellow in airpower and technology at the Royal United Services Institute, who said video of the explosion did not match with the type of weapons Israel typically uses
On Twitter he wrote: 'For what it's worth, this doesn't look or sound quite like an air strike using the typical IAF 1000lb or 2000lb JDAM/Mk80 series to me. Incoming projectile sounds like it's under power and the explosion frames visible look like largely propellant fire rather than HE [high explosive] detonation...

[Ms.Norths.Musings]

Hospitals have oxygen obviously. Also it could have caused weapons under the hospital to blow up.

[stevencoleman]

I agree with LT Colonel Conricus, the information that is put out needs be vetted better.

[laurieehrenberg]

What is wrong with this interviewer? I admire the patience of this guy in the face of such idiocy.

[Christine-osle]

the journalist should be made to apologises shame on her for being so judgemental with no facts shame on her

[User]

This guy is great. He is the young Israeli Arnold Schwarzenegger.

[malcolmhector]

She is embarrassing with trying to blame Iseral, doesn't listen to his answers , I believe in what he is saying, the truth will prevail, & prove his statement correct in due course. Hamas is evil.

[princessleia]

The Lt. Col handles himself very well. He’s also too polite to her while she tries to insinuates him every time.

[mistrjt]

LADY, he said he will provide evidence that another terrorist group bombed the hospital. Quit nagging him about it. Also, LTC Johnathan is a perfect spokesperson--cool, calm and collected under immense amount of pressure. Seems like someone who will "take no shit". :D

[peterkazemba]

LT COL Jonathan is an excellent and unequalled calm spokesperson. He's a well informed person and asset to the IDF.