Israeli Military Uncovers Suspected Iranian and North Korean Weapons in Hamas’ Arsenal
During a recent media tour conducted by the Israeli military, it was revealed that a significant portion of the weapons used by Hamas in its attacks on October 7 were manufactured in Iran or North Korea. The tour showcased a range of weapons that were recovered from communities in southern Israel that were targeted by the militants. Among the confiscated arsenal were landmines, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and homemade drones.
Of particular concern were the Iranian-made mortar rounds and North Korean RPGs found in Hamas’ possession. According to an Israeli military official, around 5 to 10 percent of the seized weapons were of Iranian origin, while approximately 10 percent were attributed to North Korea. The remaining weapons were produced within the Gaza Strip itself, the official added.
It is widely believed that Hamas relies heavily on smuggling networks to acquire weapons and bring them into the besieged Gaza Strip. In addition to this, the group also produces its own munitions, including the rockets that it has repeatedly launched towards Israeli cities.
The Israeli military official conducting the tour expressed surprise at the substantial amount of weapons that Hamas managed to breach into Israel. The recent attacks on October 7, described as the worst in Israeli history, saw large groups of Hamas gunmen infiltrating Israel from Gaza. The attacks resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 people, the majority of whom were civilians, with an additional 224 individuals being kidnapped, according to official reports.
Israel, in response, has launched relentless strikes in retaliation. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has reported that more than 7,000 people, predominantly civilians, have been killed by Israeli strikes. This toll is expected to rise significantly if Israeli troops, currently massed near the border, enter the Palestinian territory.
In the aftermath of the tour, Israeli troops have taken control of several communities, including Holit, where bullet holes and scorched homes serve as a stark reminder of the attacks. At least 10 people were killed in this small kibbutz, as confirmed by a volunteer from Zaka, a charity organization that handles body collection in accordance with Jewish practices.
The discovery of these suspected Iranian and North Korean weapons in Hamas’ arsenal raises concerns about the extent of external support and potential infiltration from these countries. The international community continues to closely monitor the situation, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
