Rafah, Gaza Strip – Munitions experts examining images of shrapnel recovered from the aftermath of an Israeli strike in Rafah on Sunday have identified the bomb as a U.S.-made GBU-39, as reported by researchers to CBS News. The strike resulted in the deaths of numerous Palestinians, sparking concerns and investigations into the use of such weaponry.
Trevor Ball, a former ordnance disposal technician for the U.S. Army, highlighted the distinct features of the GBU-39 and its unique design. The images used to pinpoint the bomb remnants were captured at the scene by journalist Alam Sadeq in Gaza, shedding light on the English words imprinted on the shrapnel fragments.
Richard Weir, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, echoed Ball’s findings, pointing out specific characteristics of the bomb that align with the GBU-39’s specifications. Despite these revelations, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken refrained from confirming the use of U.S.-made munitions in the strike, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation.
Following the incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the tragedy and pledged an investigation into the matter. Experts emphasized the potential risks of using such munitions in densely populated areas, emphasizing the importance of precision and caution in military operations to avoid unintended casualties.
Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari defended the strike on Rafah, citing intelligence reports linking the targeted building to terrorist activities. Despite claims of targeted precision, concerns remain about the unintended consequences of such operations, especially in civilian-populated regions.
The debate over the necessity and consequences of using specific munitions in conflict zones continues, with experts highlighting the potential dangers of air-dropped explosives near civilian populations. The aftermath of the strike underscores the complexities and challenges of engaging in military operations while minimizing civilian harm and collateral damage.