Israel’s recent bombing of Gaza’s Al-Mawasi area, using US-supplied JDAM bombs, has resulted in a devastating toll, with at least 92 people killed and over 300 wounded, according to Gaza’s health ministry. This strike, described as one of the deadliest in nine months of conflict, targeted what Israel had designated as a “safe zone,” transforming it into a scene of destruction.
The attack, which occurred on the Mediterranean coast, left a tent city charred and hospitals overwhelmed with casualties. The Israeli military claimed it was targeting two Hamas “masterminds” responsible for attacks on October 7, though details remain uncertain regarding the fate of Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif.
Witnessed through AFP videos, the aftermath revealed a massive mushroom cloud and a crater amidst the wreckage of tents and buildings. Weapons experts identified a fragment from the blast site as belonging to a US-made Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), which converts unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions, enhancing accuracy in adverse weather conditions.
Trevor Ball, a former US Army explosive ordnance disposal technician, confirmed the use of JDAM kits based on images from the strike, suggesting they were likely paired with 1,000 or 2,000 pound payloads, potentially including bunker-busting capabilities.
The repeated use of such powerful bombs in densely populated Gaza has sparked international outcry, prompting calls for reconsideration of US military support to Israel. President Joe Biden recently announced a pause on supplying larger bombs, acknowledging concerns over civilian casualties.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed frustration over the high civilian toll, urging Israeli officials to minimize collateral damage. Meanwhile, Israel defended the strike as precise, targeting a Hamas compound rather than a civilian camp, though the extent of civilian presence remains disputed.
In response, humanitarian organizations have decried the devastation in Al-Mawasi, condemning Israel’s actions and calling for accountability. The Islamic Relief charity described the area as facing “absolute destruction,” lacking basic amenities like water and electricity.
Hamas officials, blaming the Biden administration for arming Israel, accused the US of complicity in what they termed a “major humanitarian catastrophe.” Amid escalating tensions, Hamas announced its withdrawal from indirect ceasefire talks with Israel, citing continued strikes and casualties.
The conflict traces back to Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, which reportedly resulted in over 1,195 deaths, predominantly civilians, according to Israeli sources. The ongoing violence underscores the challenges in achieving a lasting peace amidst regional tensions and international scrutiny.
Sources By Agencies
