Israel's Use of Explosive Barrels in Northern Gaza
In a significant escalation of military tactics, the Israeli army has been reported to drop explosive barrels on residential neighborhoods in northern Gaza. This method has resulted in powerful explosions and ground tremors felt by residents of Gaza City. Military experts describe explosive barrels as metal containers filled with highly explosive materials and fuel, designed to cause extensive destruction upon impact. The explosion radius can reach up to 250 meters, making them particularly dangerous in densely populated areas.
Historical Context and Military Strategy
The use of explosive barrels is not new for Israel; it dates back to 1948 during the Nakba, when such weapons were first used in the bombing of Saffuriya. Military expert Hatem Al-Falahi notes that these weapons were also utilized by the United States in Vietnam and extensively by the Syrian regime during the civil war. The United Nations Security Council condemned the use of such weapons in 2014, labeling them as terrorist and irregular due to their indiscriminate impact.
Currently, Israel's strategy appears to focus on forcing the displacement of northern Gaza residents. According to Osama Khaled, a military and security researcher, the Israeli army employs explosive barrels to facilitate ground operations by clearing entire residential areas, thereby avoiding direct confrontations that could lead to significant military casualties. This tactic is also seen as a psychological weapon aimed at undermining the resilience of the Gazan population.
Humanitarian Consequences
The ongoing use of explosive barrels has led to catastrophic humanitarian consequences. Reports indicate that the bombings have resulted in daily casualties, with dozens of lives lost and extensive destruction across northern Gaza. For over a year, Israel's military actions, supported by Western nations, have resulted in over 143,000 Palestinian casualties, including many women and children. The situation in Gaza is described as one of the worst humanitarian disasters globally, with widespread famine and destruction affecting the civilian population.
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