Defense experts have raised concerns over Israel's recent airstrike in Gaza, which resulted in a deadly fire at a camp for displaced Palestinians. The strike, targeting Hamas operatives, led to the deaths of as many as 45 civilians in a temporary displacement camp near Rafah.
Experts questioned Israel's use of bombs, likely U.S.-made, that caused significant collateral damage in an area with a high concentration of civilians. While Israel claims the targeted Hamas operatives were over a mile away from a declared humanitarian zone, displaced civilians were scattered throughout the vicinity, assuming safety.
Footage released by the Israeli military showed people near the targeted buildings before the strike, raising concerns about the proximity of civilians to the intended targets. The debris field indicated the use of U.S.-made 250-pound GBU-39 small-diameter bombs, known for their potential to cause widespread damage.
Experts highlighted that even the smallest munitions can pose risks in densely populated areas due to the range of fragments they produce upon detonation. The bombs used in the airstrike were likely set to explode before impact, increasing the likelihood of unintended casualties.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concerns about the unintended consequences of targeted attacks, emphasizing the need for precision in military operations to avoid civilian harm. Defense experts suggested that Israel had alternative options, such as smaller and more precise weapons like the mini-Spike anti-personnel system, to minimize collateral damage.
The U.S. has withheld larger bombs from Israel out of similar concerns, indicating a broader recognition of the risks associated with using heavy munitions in densely populated areas. The incident in Gaza underscores the challenges of conducting military operations near civilian populations and the importance of precision targeting to prevent civilian casualties.
The U.S. government is awaiting the results of Israel's investigation into the airstrike to determine the specifics of the weapons used and their deployment. The international community continues to monitor the situation in Gaza, urging all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians in conflict zones.
