Overview

Israel faced intense scrutiny following a strike near Rafah that resulted in tragic civilian casualties. Both CNN and The New York Times identified the bombs used as GBU-39s, a precision-guided munition designed to minimize collateral damage.

Why It Matters

This incident, although devastating, underscores Israel’s efforts to balance military objectives with minimizing civilian impact. The targeting of the strike aimed at neutralizing senior Hamas officials is a key focus in Israel’s ongoing war against terrorism.

The Evidence

Analysis by a former U.S. Army explosive ordinance technician confirmed that the fragments from the strike were from GBU-39 bombs. These munitions are specifically chosen due to their precision, reflecting Israel’s conscious effort to limit civilian casualties.

Response from Israel

Israel acknowledged the accidental civilian casualties and termed it a “tragic mishap,” reaffirming its operational objectives. The IDF highlighted that the explosives used were of the smallest weight for their aircraft, aiming for minimal collateral damage. The fire that caused the higher casualties was reportedly exacerbated by a hidden munitions stash.

U.S. Position

The United States has maintained strong support for Israel despite the incident. Statements from officials, including President Biden and Vice President Harris, stress this support, despite acknowledging the tragic loss of life. The U.S. acknowledges Israel’s pinpointed effort to manage its strikes responsibly.

Conflict Background

Israel initiated a comprehensive operation in Rafah to dismantle Hamas, responsible for the October 7 attacks that left 1,200 Israelis dead. The IDF’s operations aim to neutralize threats without targeting civilians, focusing on Hamas strongholds.

Humanitarian Impact

The ongoing conflict has significantly affected civilians, with the UN and Gaza health ministry reporting high numbers of casualties. While these figures emphasize human suffering, Israel underscores its efforts to minimize such impacts, stressing that most of the casualties are linked to active combatants.

This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.