There is a growing threat of explosive devices and booby traps in both Gaza and in Judea and Samaria. These types of devices are called improvised explosive devices, or IEDs.
Seven soldiers have been killed in the last four days
In one case the IDF said it had conducted the correct procedures in the area where the explosion occurred. “An initial probe revealed that an infantry force was on the hunt for Hamas underground tunnels and infrastructure on a path that was cleared by heavy machines of the Engineering Corps,” it said. “An IED was likely missed and was detonated remotely by terrorists hiding in a tunnel.”
The use of IEDs in Gaza has been growing over the last
few months. Hamas has reverted to this method, along with other terrorist
groups in Gaza, as a way to fight the IDF without using armed fighters. This is
because Hamas lacks the manpower it had last October. It is now using the
terrain to its benefit. It knows the area, so it can quietly sneak into homes
and areas and leave explosives behind. It has been using this method
increasingly.
Terrorist groups are also increasing their use of
explosives in the West Bank in areas such as Nur Shams, near Tulkarm, and Jenin
and other areas. In addition, they may be seeking to expand the war into other
areas of Israel.
The overall trend is not unique in the history of
terrorist groups and insurgencies. In Iraq, during the Iraqi insurgency against
US forces, the use of IEDs was common. Iran helped Iraqi groups improve their
explosive devices as well, working with them to create explosively formed
penetrators (EFP), which are used against vehicles.
Iran backs Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. It is also increasingly behind attempts to smuggle weapons into the West Bank. As the war continues in Gaza, and groups in the West Bank seek to increase their attacks, it is likely they will turn to this type of explosives increasingly as part of their arsenal.
Related TagsHamasIDFPalestinian Islamic JihadGaza warIsrael-Hamas War
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