In May 2021, an unexpected and intense rocket attack took place, with Hamas launching an unprecedented assault against Israel. The militant group fired over 4,000 rockets in a mere span of 11 days. It’s imperative to note that while the IDF confirmed approximately 2,200 rockets, Hamas claimed a staggering figure of 5,000. Such an extensive assault prompted the critical question, “how did Hamas get so many rockets?” The answer, though intricate, uncovers a web of suppliers, self-production, and evasive maneuvers against vigilant Israeli intelligence.
Further exploring this issue, it’s evident that Hamas’s acquisition of such a substantial number of rockets traces back to various sources and events in the past decades. Some of these events changed the course of the ongoing conflict, making it crucial to understand them in depth.
Summary of how did hamas get so many rockets
| Date | Event | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Over 4,500 rockets fired at Israel during the 2014 Gaza War. | Significant sophistication in Hamas’s rocket arsenal. |
| 2019 | Over 400 rockets launched at Israel post senior Hamas leader’s assassination. | Demonstrated ability to target major Israeli cities. |
| 2021 | More than 4,000 rockets aimed at Israel, in retaliation to Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. | Unprecedented scale and intensity of rocket attack. |
Timeline of Hamas Rocket Attacks
Over the years, Hamas’s capacity to target Israel has been fluctuating, but the scale of recent attacks underscores their growing arsenal. For instance, during the 2014 Gaza War, over 4,500 rockets were launched at Israel. Then, in November 2019, post the elimination of a senior Hamas leader by Israeli forces, they retaliated by firing more than 400 rockets.
Israel’s Intelligence Network
Surprisingly, despite having a highly sophisticated spy network, Israel was taken aback by the sheer volume of the May 2021 rocket attack. This indicates Hamas’s increasing skill in dodging Israeli intelligence, especially in sneaking rockets into the Gaza Strip.
The 2014 Gaza War
This conflict marked a significant evolution in Hamas’s rocket capabilities. In this war, Iran allegedly supplied M302 rockets to Hamas, rockets with a range surpassing 100 kilometers. Such rockets meant that primary Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem were now within reach.
Sources of Hamas’s Rockets
The acquisition pathway for Hamas is intricate:
- Iran: Majorly considered Hamas’s primary rocket benefactor, supplying variants like the M302 and Fajr-5.
- Syria: They too equipped Hamas with rockets, but the ongoing Syrian civil war has diminished this support.
- Sudan: Though accused of backing Hamas with rockets, Sudan consistently refutes these claims.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that Hamas has begun domestic production, although these are less sophisticated.
Unprecedented Hamas Attack
The assault in May 2021 was unparalleled in terms of volume and ferocity. With over 4,000 rockets aimed at Israel in just 11 days, many of which reached major cities, this implies that Hamas now possesses a considerable rocket stockpile and the capability to deploy them en masse.
Conclusion
Grasping the complicated supply mechanism behind Hamas’s rocket procurement presents a considerable challenge for both Israel and the international community. The pathways, including those from Iran and Syria and the group’s domestic production, must be understood to mitigate future attacks.
FAQs
How many rockets did Hamas claim to have fired in May 2021?
Hamas claimed to have fired around 5,000 rockets.
Which countries have been accused of supplying rockets to Hamas?
Iran, Syria, and Sudan have been linked to supplying rockets to Hamas.
Did Hamas manufacture any of its rockets?
Yes, Hamas has started producing its own rockets, though they are generally less sophisticated.
What was unique about the 2014 Gaza War concerning Hamas’s rocket capability?
During the 2014 Gaza War, Iran reportedly provided Hamas with M302 rockets, capable of targeting major Israeli cities.
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