Washington, DC – Defense experts have raised concerns about the recent Israeli airstrike in a displaced Palestinian camp near Gaza, questioning the use of large bombs when civilians were in close proximity. The strike targeted Hamas operatives and resulted in the deaths of up to 45 people, drawing international condemnation.
Experts pointed out that Israel could have used smaller and more precise weapons to minimize collateral damage in the densely populated area. The Israeli military stated that the Hamas targets were over a mile away from a designated humanitarian zone and that no harm to civilians was anticipated before the strike.
Despite the military’s assessment, displaced civilians were present throughout the area, with no evacuation orders in place. The civilians believed the camp was safe, even though the tents that burned were not within the marked humanitarian zone. Footage released by Israel showed people near the targeted buildings before the strike, raising questions about the decision-making process.
An investigation is underway to determine the specific munitions used in the airstrike. Some experts believe that U.S.-made 250-pound GBU-39 small-diameter bombs were deployed, which have the potential to cause widespread damage even in densely packed areas. The use of such munitions near civilian populations has raised concerns about the potential for unintended casualties.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called for a thorough investigation to shed light on the weapons used and their deployment during the airstrike. The defense experts have argued that Israel had alternative options, such as smaller and more precise anti-personnel weapons, to mitigate the risk of unintended consequences.
The U.S. previously withheld a shipment of larger bombs from Israel out of concern for their potential use in densely populated areas. The recent airstrike highlights the challenges of conducting targeted operations in close proximity to civilian populations and the need for more deliberation and precision in military actions.
Overall, the incident underscores the complexities of conducting military operations in civilian areas and the importance of considering the potential impact on innocent bystanders. The aftermath of the airstrike has prompted calls for greater scrutiny of military tactics and the use of explosives in conflict zones.