8 months ago
Israel's Use of Truck Bombs in Gaza
During the conflict in Gaza, Israel used a new type of weapon: old military trucks called M113s, filled with a lot of explosives.
These trucks were driven into areas of Gaza City and then detonated, causing huge explosions that destroyed many buildings.
This happened mostly in the Tel-al-Hawa and Sabra districts.
Israel says they did this to fight Hamas and clear areas with booby traps.
However, many people lost their homes, and some say they didn't get warnings to leave before the explosions.
Hamas says Israel is trying to force people out of their homes.
Some experts and international groups are worried that this might not follow the rules of war.
The use of these truck bombs increased when Israel had fewer of their usual big bombs and bulldozers available.
The destruction was very widespread, with about 650 buildings destroyed in just six weeks.
Israel used M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers repurposed with 1-3 tons of explosives to demolish buildings in Gaza City.
The demolitions primarily occurred in the Tel-al-Hawa and Sabra districts, with about 650 buildings destroyed between September 1 and October 11.
Residents reported mixed experiences with evacuation warnings, with some receiving warnings and others not.
Israel claims military necessity and adherence to the rules of war, while Hamas denies allegations of booby-trapping buildings and claims the demolitions aim to displace residents.
International law scholars and the U.N. have raised concerns about the proportionality and legality of the demolitions, suggesting they may amount to wanton destruction of property, a war crime.
- Who
- Israeli military forces and Hamas
- What
- Use of repurposed M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers as large explosives to demolish buildings in Gaza City
- Where
- Tel-al-Hawa and Sabra districts in Gaza City
- When
- Six weeks before the October 10 ceasefire, with specific incidents in September 2024
- Why
- Israel claims military necessity to eliminate Hamas and free hostages; Hamas denies allegations and claims demolitions aim to displace residents
Key facts
- Weapon Used
- M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers repurposed with 1-3 tons of explosives
- Areas Affected
- Tel-al-Hawa and Sabra districts in Gaza City
- Time Period
- Six weeks before the October 10 ceasefire
- Buildings Destroyed
- About 650 buildings in Sabra, Tel-al-Hawa, and surrounding areas
- Evacuation Warnings
- Inhabitants generally fled ahead of demolitions after Israeli warnings, though some reported no warning
- Military Justification
- Israel claims military necessity and adherence to rules of war
- Hamas Response
- Hamas denies booby-trapping buildings and claims demolitions aimed at displacing residents
- International Concerns
- U.N. and international law scholars question proportionality and legality of demolitions
Quotes
Hesham Mohammad Badawi
Resident of Gaza City whose home was destroyed by an APC explosion.
“We could not believe this was our neighbourhood, this was our street.”
theprint.in
Hazem Qassem
Hamas spokesman.
“Israel’s demolitions with armoured vehicles were aimed at the large-scale displacement of the city’s residents, which Israel has denied.”
theprint.in
Ajith Sunghay
Head of the U.N. Human Rights Office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
“The basis that some of it may be booby-trapped or once used by Hamas snipers is not enough to justify mass destruction.”
theprint.in
Amir Avivi
Retired reservist Brigadier-General and founder of the Israel Defense and Security Forum (IDSF).
“The weapon an innovation of the Gaza War.”
theprint.in
Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister.
“We detonate them, and they set off all the booby traps. That’s why you see the destruction.”
theprint.in
Mahmoud Basal
Gaza’s Civil Defense spokesperson.
“The army detonated hundreds of APCs in that period, as many as 20 daily.”
theprint.in
Danny Orbach
Israeli military historian.
“There was no other way to fight such a war except destroying all buildings above ground.”
theprint.in
Sources
Related news
Miliband Threatens West Bank Sanctions as Israel Warns Britain
Iran’s Proxy Network Weakens, But Its Wars Persist
World Roundup Spans Xi’s Egypt Visit and FBI Hamas Seizure
Israel Says Forces Captured Hamas Security Chief in Gaza
UN Halves West Bank Food Aid as Funding Shortages Deepen
