A devastating Israeli airstrike that killed multiple civilians in southern Gaza used American-made munitions, according to evidence gathered by The Guardian and weapons experts.
Strike on Residential Building
The attack targeted a residential building in the town of Mazyouna on October 10th, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. Local residents reported that the multi-storey structure was completely destroyed in the blast.
Weapons experts who analysed fragments from the scene identified the remnants as parts from a GBU-39 small-diameter bomb, manufactured by the American defence contractor Boeing.
Evidence from the Ground
Journalists visiting the site documented clear identifying marks on bomb fragments, including production codes and contract numbers linking them directly to US military supply chains.
Key findings include:
- Fragments bearing 'Boeing' markings and US military codes
- Evidence matching GBU-39 small-diameter bomb specifications
- Multiple civilian casualties including women and children
- Complete destruction of residential building
International Law Concerns
The use of American weapons in densely populated civilian areas raises serious questions about compliance with international humanitarian law. Human rights organisations have repeatedly expressed concerns about civilian protection in conflict zones.
Trevor Ball, a former US Army explosive ordnance disposal technician who reviewed the evidence, confirmed the fragments were "consistent with a US-manufactured guided bomb unit".
Growing Scrutiny on Arms Exports
This incident comes amid increasing international scrutiny of weapons transfers to conflict zones. The United States remains one of Israel's primary military suppliers, providing billions of dollars in military aid annually.
The discovery of US-made munitions at the site of civilian casualties is likely to intensify debates about arms export controls and their use in populated areas.
Humanitarian Impact
Local emergency services described challenging rescue operations in the aftermath of the strike, with limited equipment and resources to handle the scale of destruction.
The attack on Mazyouna represents another tragic episode in the ongoing conflict that has seen numerous civilian areas affected by military operations.
