U.S.-Made Bombs Identified in Deadly Israeli Strike on Palestinian Camp

A recent Israeli airstrike that killed dozens of Palestinians in a displacement camp near Rafah utilized U.S.-manufactured bombs, according to weapons experts and visual evidence reviewed by The New York Times.Experts identified debris from a GBU-39 bomb, a precision-guided munition made in the United States, at the strike site. The bomb’s unique tail actuation system and serial numbers matched components supplied by Woodward, an aerospace manufacturer in Colorado. This munition is promoted by U.S. officials for its precision and reduced risk of civilian casualties.The strike, which targeted two Hamas leaders, resulted in 45 fatalities and over 240 injuries. Despite Israeli military claims of using the smallest possible munitions to minimize collateral damage, the blast caused significant destruction and secondary fires, raising concerns about civilian safety.Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israeli military spokesperson, mentioned the potential for secondary explosions due to stored weapons in the area, a factor still under investigation. However, the presence of civilians near the target and the subsequent casualties have drawn criticism regarding the effectiveness of Israeli precautionary measures.John Kirby, a White House spokesperson, emphasized the intention behind using smaller bombs to be precise and targeted. Nonetheless, the incident has sparked debate over the balance between military objectives and civilian protection in densely populated conflict zones.