- 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.
- Israeli intelligence had observed an upgrade in equipment used by Hamas.
Hamas has a large stockpile of Chinese weaponry in Gaza, including assault rifles, grenade launchers, and advanced communications equipment, according to the IDF, the Telegraph reports.
The findings raise questions about how the weaponry reached Hamas, potentially straining relations between Israel and China.
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.
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.
Ahmed Zakot/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
The Chinese-made weapons discovery was described as a “surprise.” dIt could strain ties between Israel and China, which have cooled since the October 7 Hamas attacks.
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.
“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.
Some Chinese social media influencers have been openly pro-Hamas since the October 7 terrorist attacks, when around 1,140 people in Israel were killed in a wave of terrorist attacks, and 240 were kidnapped and taken hostages.
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.
