Israeli Army to Deploy Explosive Robots in Gaza City
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Israeli Military’s Use of repurposed APCs in Gaza Raises Concerns
Table of Contents
Decommissioned armored personnel carriers, converted into remotely detonated explosives, are being used by the Israeli military in Gaza, causing extensive damage and raising questions about the origins of the equipment.
Background: “Suicide APCs” and Thier Deployment
The Israeli military is employing decommissioned armored personnel carriers (APCs), often referred to as “suicide APCs” or “booby-trapped robots,” in it’s operations within the Gaza Strip. These vehicles, rigged with explosives and operated remotely, are driven into urban areas before being detonated, resulting in powerful blasts and widespread destruction.WION News reports that these explosions have been felt as far away as central Israel.
According to the jerusalem Post, the use of these older M113 APCs has tripled under the orders of Southern Command chief Yaniv Asor earlier in September 2024. Walla News reported on November 7,2023,that the military had stationed a significant number of these APCs along the Gaza boundary,converting them into “mega-explosives” for use in its ground offensive.
Equipment Origins and Political Context
The equipment itself was manufactured in the United States and recently arrived in Israel after experiencing delays under the Joe Biden administration. However, the shipment was ultimately approved during the presidency of Donald Trump.This timeline suggests a complex political history surrounding the provision of this military hardware. The exact nature of the initial delays and the conditions of the eventual approval remain subjects of ongoing scrutiny.
| Event | Date | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Manufactured | Prior to 2023 | Reported in multiple news sources (see below) |
| Shipment Delayed (biden Admin) | Early-Mid 2023 (approximate) | News reports detailing delays (specific dates vary) |
| Shipment Approved (Trump Admin) | Late 2023 | News reports detailing approval |
| Increased APC Use Reported | September 2024 | Jerusalem Post |
Impact on Gaza and Civilian Populations
Since the start of the current conflict, reports indicate that these vehicles have been used to systematically demolish homes and civilian infrastructure across