The Hamas terrorist group that rules Gaza has replenished its arsenal since a war in 2014 with Israel and now has a large collection of rockets, guided missiles and drones, the Israeli military chief of staff said Thursday.
According to Israeli military estimates, Hamas has about 7,000 rockets, as well as 300 missiles against a tank and 100 against a plane, the commander said.
It has also acquired dozens of unmanned aircraft and has an army of about 30,000 militants, including 400 naval commanders trained and solemn equipment to carry out naval operations, the commander said.
He spoke on condition of anonymity under military instructions.
The arsenal is similar to the smaller Islamic terrorist group Jihad, which often operates independently of Hamas, the leader said.
That includes 6,000 rockets, dozens of anti-tank and anti-aircraft drones and missiles, and about 400 naval forces.
Hamas also used attack tunnels under the Gaza border during the 2014 war. Israel has discovered and destroyed about 20 tunnels since the end of the enemy, including a large one last October that was still under construction. .
The chief said an underground barrier is equipped with sensors to detect 99% complete tunnels and will completely cover the 37-mile (60-kilometer) boundary.
Hamas, which opposes Israeli occupation, seized control of Gaza from Palestinian rival forces in 2007. Since then, Israel has fought three wars with Hamas and several smaller divisions with it and Islamic Jihad.
Israel has highlighted Hamas’ growing military capabilities to justify the ban it has imposed on the coastal strip since the militant group seized power. The trade embargo, backed by Egyptian support, has severely taxed the region’s population of 2 million Palestinians.
Last week, the International Criminal Court in The Hague questioned whether its chief prosecutor had the authority to open an investigation into possible war crimes between Israel and Hamas.
If an investigation is opened, the prosecutor has said it could look at Israeli military strikes in Gaza as well as the rocket fire of Palestinian terrorist groups and the use of human wings.
Israeli officials say they are not blocked.
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IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi warned last month that Israel would use a large force against missiles stored in residential areas
(Photo: INSS)
IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi warned in a recent speech that Israel, in future conflicts, would use heavy force in residential areas where rockets are stored and launched.
He said Israeli soldiers would warn civilians to evacuate their homes before launching such strikes.