Hamas using top-grade Chinese weapons in Gaza, including assault rifles and grenade launchers, says Israel
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Rebecca Rommen
Jan 7, 2024, 01:08 IST
Palestinian Hamas militants are seen during a military show in the Bani Suheila district on July 20, 2017 in Gaza City, Gaza.Chris McGrath/Getty Images
An IDF report says that top-quality Chinese weapons are in use by Hamas in Gaza.
The stockpile includes assault rifles, grenade launchers, and advanced communications equipment.
The IDF's findings also include telescopic sights for rifles, M16 cartridges, listening devices, and tactical military radio.
Israeli intelligence sources observed a significant upgrade in weaponry and technology acquired by Hamas, raising concerns about whether the Chinese supplies came directly from China or through a third party.
"This is top-grade weaponry and communications technology, stuff that Hamas didn't have before, with very sophisticated explosives which have never been found before and especially on such a large scale," an Israeli intelligence source told The Telegraph.
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Weapons such as QBZ assault rifles and QLZ87 automatic grenade launchers were among the uncovered haul, signs of bolstered Hamas firepower.
The IDF warned that this arsenal is complemented by intelligence and communications equipment capable of operating within the complex tunnel system used by Hamas for surprise attacks on Israeli troops.
Experts suggest that if the Chinese-made equipment reached Hamas in large quantities, it is likely via a state actor, with Iran being a probable candidate.
China has historical ties to arming and training Palestinian factions, the Telegraph reports.
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"China has changed its attitude to Israel dramatically, and it's gone totally toward a position of antisemitism now," the Israeli intelligence source told The Telegraph.
The war has devastated parts of Gaza, killed roughly 22,000 Palestinians, and displaced almost all of the territory's 2.3 million people.
Over 170 soldiers have been killed and 1,020 soldiers injured while fighting in Gaza, according to the Israeli military.
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