US 2000-pound bombs likely used in deadly Mawasi strike, say experts

Gaza (Quds News Network)- Last night’s Israeli airstrike on Al-Mawasi in Gaza is believed to have involved the use of 2000-pound bombs, based on evidence analyzed by weapons experts, according to a New York Times investigation. The strike left large craters at the site, suggesting the deployment of these powerful bombs, according to experts. The attack targeted a camp for displaced people, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 individuals and injuring more than 60 others.

The forensic analysis, which included video footage and bomb fragments, was carried out by three weapons specialists. Chris Cobb-Smith, a former British Army artillery officer, confirmed that the size of the craters matched those typically created by 2000-pound bombs. Trevor Ball, a former US Army ordnance expert, identified a bomb fragment as part of a SPICE-2000 guidance kit, which is used with the 2000-pound munitions. A third expert, Patrick Senft, corroborated this conclusion, noting that both the craters and bomb fragment indicated the use of such heavyweight bombs.

The United States had previously expressed concerns about the use of 2000-pound bombs in densely populated areas like Gaza, suspending exports of the munitions to Israel earlier this year due to the potential for excessive civilian casualties. Despite this, the Israeli military used these bombs in several strikes throughout Gaza. In this instance, Israel has claimed that its operations were aimed at Hamas militants, but it has not provide any evidence.

The airstrike occurred in an area designated as a “humanitarian zone” where displaced Gazans had been instructed to seek shelter. Satellite imagery and video footage verified by The New York Times show the devastating aftermath of the strike, with tents and makeshift structures completely obliterated.

According to Mr. Cobb-Smith, while 2000-pound bombs have the capacity for precision targeting, their use in heavily populated areas like Al-Mawasi raises serious concerns. “These bombs can be highly accurate, but deploying them in a densely populated area, especially one designated as a safe zone, is disproportionate,” he said.

Despite pausing one shipment of 2000-pound bombs earlier this year, the US has continued to supply Israel with large quantities of military aid, including thousands of highly destructive bombs and missiles. Since the start of the Gaza conflict in October, the US has sent at least 14,000 2000-pound bombs and various other munitions to Israel, according to Reuters.