The Israeli Public Broadcasting Authority “KAN” has reported a significant theft of military equipment, including munitions, bombs, and sensitive defence systems, amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
According to KAN, there are growing concerns within Israeli authorities that some of these stolen arms may end up smuggled to armed organizations in the West Bank.
During the conflict, various weapons were reportedly stolen from areas where the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) were stationed in the southern region, including LAW rockets, mortar shells, and advanced defence systems intended for the IDF’s ground forces.
Detailed List of Stolen Military Equipment
The IDF’s Southern Command has released a detailed list of the weaponry stolen during the conflict in Gaza:
- 33,740 MAG-type shells
- 14,650 5.56 caliber projectiles
- 315 anti-tank mines
- 79 mortar shells
- 3 LAW rockets
- 9 shells of 120 mm caliber
- 2 advanced ground forces defense systems
The authority noted that the stolen arms have been widely distributed among “armed gangs and mafias,” leading to a significant decrease in their market prices.
The situation poses a severe security risk as the circulation of these weapons among criminal elements could exacerbate the already volatile security environment in the region.
Earlier this week, Senior Israeli officials affirmed their country’s intention to invade Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, despite ongoing negotiations mediated by Egypt with Hamas for a ceasefire.
The Israeli military is gearing up to establish a “new area” in central Gaza to shelter Palestinians scheduled to be evacuated from Rafah.