In a recent analysis of satellite images, it has been revealed that Israel has been conducting a barrage of strikes on the Gaza Strip using 2,000-pound bombs, four times larger than the ones used by the US to target ISIS in Mosul, Iraq. These bombs have a devastating impact, causing craters that can span an area equal to 75 football fields. This level of bombardment has not been seen in Gaza since the Vietnam War, according to a former US defense official and UN war crimes investigator.
Israeli officials have justified the heavy munitions as necessary to eliminate Hamas, which is known to take refuge in residential areas. However, the extent of the bombardment raises questions about the Israeli officials' claims of taking measures to reduce civilian casualties. Despite assertions that they are trying to limit innocent lives lost and choosing specific munitions to minimize unnecessary damage, the analysis of ground scenes in Gaza reveals the serious consequences of these strikes.
Comparisons have been drawn between the Israeli fight against Hamas and the urban battles fought by the US against ISIS. However, Gaza's densely packed and vertical nature makes it a unique battleground. The densely populated area has suffered significant damage as a result of the strikes, raising concerns about the accuracy of casualty figures provided by the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health.
It remains unclear whether the bombs employed by Israel can effectively target Hamas tunnels, which are a key infrastructure for the organization. While some expected the 2,000-pound bombs to penetrate deep enough to neutralize the tunnels, the Israelis have been forced to send troops into them, indicating that the bombardment alone may not have been sufficient.
The motivations behind Israel's extensive bombing campaign are not entirely clear. It is possible that they aimed to destroy the Hamas leadership and their terror capabilities effectively. The time element seems to be a crucial factor in their decision-making process, as Israel sought to achieve their objectives in the shortest amount of time possible. However, questions linger about the extent to which civilian lives are being considered in these military operations and whether the pressure on civilians is intended to weaken Hamas.
The situation in Gaza remains tense, with many international organizations expressing concern over the escalating violence and its impact on innocent lives. As the conflict continues, the world watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution and an end to the suffering of those caught in the crossfire.
