From the Liveblog of
Sunday, January 7, 2024
IDF says it found proof Hamas developed guided cruise missiles under Iranian guidance
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Troops operating in Gaza City have discovered what the Israeli military says is technological equipment including components used by Hamas to build accurate missiles, a capability that until now the terror group was not believed to possess.
The IDF says Nahal Brigade soldiers and special forces recently raided a Hamas site in the area of Gaza City’s Daraj and Tuffah neighborhoods, finding a tunnel shaft leading to an underground weapons manufacturing plant.
The soldiers found “components proving terrorists of the Hamas terror organization learned under Iranian guidance how to operate and build precision components and strategic weapons,” the IDF says.
The IDF shares images of what it says are the rocket engine and warhead of a cruise missile developed by Hamas.
Hamas is known to possess anti-tank guided missiles and small explosive drones — used at short range — as well as makeshift explosive-laden autonomous submarines, or underwater drones, but not long-range guided missiles.
The terror group also possesses shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles, which are not effective against Israeli aircraft.
It is unclear if Hamas ever deployed its guided missiles, or was only in the development stage.
