The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth said that the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) is using advanced models of locally produced RPG shells capable of penetrating armored vehicles and buildings in two stages.
The newspaper explained that the explosion that occurred in Gaza last Monday, which led to the death of 21 Israeli soldiers, was preceded by the firing of an RPG shell at a tank, killing two of its crew.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the explosion, which caused two buildings to collapse a moment later, was likely caused by the same weapon that is so far considered the most lethal to soldiers fighting Hamas in Gaza, and is used against tanks, armored personnel carriers, and buildings in which soldiers are stationed.
The newspaper said that Hamas boasts of the Yassin “TBG” missile, which began use last November and is produced in Gaza. It is intended for attacks on buildings and fortifications, and has a warhead that can penetrate walls and blow up buildings, but its effective range is limited. Not exceeding 100 metres.
Hamas uses the “Yassin 105” missile in war, which relies on a 105 mm shell aimed at penetrating armor and buildings. Both weapons work in two stages, starting by making a hole in the outer layer of the target, then detonating a larger payload, causing more damage.
Hamas uses standard RPG launchers, which have caused many IDF soldiers to be injured mostly outside their vehicles, as well as North Korean F-7 RPGs and Russian-made Kornet anti-tank missiles. Its range reaches 5.5 kilometers.
The most advanced weapon in Gaza is the RPG-29, which is a dangerous anti-tank missile, but it requires a large and heavy missile, which is difficult for fighters in the guerrilla war waged by Hamas to use.
Israel has been waging a war on Gaza for more than 100 days, which has so far led to the death of more than 25,000 Palestinians, the injury of about 60,000, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands from their homes, not to mention the massive destruction that has included all the towns in the Strip.