The conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has taken a new turn as Israeli investigations reveal that Hamas is utilizing a significant stockpile of Chinese weaponry. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have uncovered caches of hi-tech supplies, including assault rifles, grenade launchers, telescopic sights for rifles, and cartridges for M16s. The discoveries have strained the once thriving ties between Israel and China, as China's reluctance to support Israel's right to defend itself during the recent Hamas attacks has irked Israel. Experts believe that Iran, a known supporter of Hamas, likely played a role in the transfer of the Chinese-made equipment to Hamas. China's involvement in arming and training Palestinian factions has a long history, but its attitude towards Israel has shifted dramatically in recent months. China now refuses to designate Hamas as a terror group and has been supportive of its propaganda during the war in Gaza [4155bdea].
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing, with both sides employing a range of armaments in their military operations. The Israeli military possesses a modern and efficient arsenal, including tanks such as the Merkava armed with anti-tank missiles, the M-109 Howitzer, and the Iron Dome air defense system. They also have a formidable air force consisting of fighter jets like the Kfir, F-16 Falcon, F-15 Strike Eagle, and F-35 Stealth Fighter. On the other hand, Hamas militants primarily rely on rockets, including the Qassam rockets and Fajr-5 missiles. They have also showcased the Al-Zouari drone and use the Fateh-110 surface-to-surface missiles. Additionally, they have been known to use Kalashnikov rifles and seized American-made M-16 Carbines. The use of these armaments underscores the significant power disparity between the two sides, with Israel having a clear advantage in terms of firepower and defense. However, Hamas has demonstrated its ability to inflict damage and casualties on Israeli communities through its rocket attacks.
Hamas has amassed a diverse patchwork arsenal of weapons from around the world, including Iranian sniper rifles, AK-47 assault rifles from China and Russia, North Korean- and Bulgarian-built rocket-propelled grenades, and anti-tank rockets secretly cobbled together in Gaza. The weapons have been smuggled past a 17-year blockade aimed at stopping such a military buildup. Hamas fighters are typically armed only with what they can carry and employ hit-and-run tactics against Israeli advantages in arms and technology. The majority of their arms are of Russian, Chinese, or Iranian origin, but North Korean weapons and those produced in former Warsaw Pact countries are also present in the arsenal. Israel maintains a massive advantage in terms of modern tanks, artillery, helicopter gunships, and an air force of U.S.-made fighter jets. The Israel Defense Forces and U.S. officials have long accused Iran of supplying money, training, and weapons to Hamas and allied militants in Gaza [9bbaf3ce].
Israel's concerns over China's support for Hamas have grown in recent months. The Israel Defense Forces have encountered 'vast quantities of weapons manufactured by China being used in Gaza.' Chinese officials have largely failed to condemn Hamas and, in late October 2023, China and Russia used their veto power to block a UN Security Council resolution that condemned Hamas. The Chinese Communist Party has used state media to push Hamas propaganda. China has increased its ties with Iran and changed its approach toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The US has long been concerned about links between China and Israel. The world is dividing into blocs, and China has chosen a side [4155bdea]. Israel should carefully consider the implications of China's support for Hamas and reassess its relationship with China [4155bdea].
According to Dr. Guermantes Lailari, a former U.S. Air Force officer and researcher at National Chengchi University, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) captured two Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) tunnel engineers in Gaza, indicating that Beijing has been significantly assisting Hamas in the construction of its advanced tunnel network. Large quantities of advanced Chinese-made weapons were also found in Hamas tunnels during the war in Gaza. The collaboration between China and Hamas is reciprocal, with Chinese diplomats expressing interest in maintaining relations with Hamas. The Chinese government denied supplying weaponry to Hamas. The closer ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia motivated China's support for Hamas, as it would damage the bond between Riyadh and Beijing. The annual training schedule of Hamas may have been modified in 2023 to prepare for an attack on Israel due to the impending challenges of the India-Middle East Corridor (IMEC) and renewed U.S.-Saudi relations. Hamas terrorists have received training in China, and there are reports of communication channels between Hamas and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership. Some argue that China uses terrorist groups like Hamas to impose itself on the United States and its allies. Dr. Lailari called for China to be declared a state sponsor of terrorism and charged in an international trial for its involvement in the October 7 massacre [3f80a695].
Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah have signed an agreement in Beijing to 'end division and strengthen Palestinian unity,' according to China's Foreign Ministry. The agreement was reached after reconciliation talks involving 14 Palestinian factions hosted by China. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that the agreement establishes the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole legitimate representative of all Palestinian people and includes provisions for post-Gaza war governance and the establishment of a provisional national reconciliation government. The immediate impact of the agreement and the role of Hamas in the arrangement remain unclear. The signing of the agreement comes as Israel wages war against Hamas in Gaza and as China seeks to position itself as a potential peace broker in the conflict. There have been previous failed attempts to reconcile Hamas and Fatah, but this latest effort is seen as going further and includes specific steps towards the formation of a consensus government. The war in Gaza has prompted the factions to unite against Israel's occupation. However, some analysts remain skeptical about the prospects of substantial progress, citing the reluctance of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to relinquish his monopoly on power. China has been actively involved in brokering talks between Hamas and Fatah and has positioned itself as a leading voice for countries decrying Israel's war in Gaza and calling for Palestinian statehood. The agreement was signed while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in the US for a visit. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a mass humanitarian crisis and widespread destruction, with over 39,000 Palestinians killed. [ad6eb828]