Hamas assembled its makeshift arsenal for last weekend’s surprise attack against Israel with weapons from various sources – cheap second-hand firearms as well as stolen ones including modified AK-47s and decades-old Soviet machine guns were among these sources of support.
However, more sophisticated weapons – including North Korean anti-tank missiles – were also found among them and experts believe China may have provided these.
AK-47s used by Hamas
As Israel and Hamas engage in fighting, new details have surfaced concerning Hamas’ use of weaponry and communications technology – which shows a concerning link with China.
AK-47s are the primary weapon used by this group. Originally developed by the Soviets, these AKs can deliver thousands of rounds and fire different types of ammo with precision. They also use rocket launchers, including Russian-designed Grad projectiles with ranges up to twelve miles and decades-old Degtyarov-Shpagin Krupnokaliberny machine guns designed by Degtyarov-Shpagin that can be mounted on tripods for targeting aircraft or tanks.
Experts agree it is likely some Chinese weapons are in Hamas’ possession; however, buying directly from Beijing would likely prove challenging given that China does not abide by Wassenaar Arrangement on arms export controls; making its sales harder to track and regulate than they might otherwise be. Conversely, Israel, another non-signatory of the agreement has conducted low-profile arms cooperation agreements with Chinese entities in recent years.
Rockets
Hamas rocket barrages have extended deeper into Israel than ever before and now threaten Tel Aviv’s coastal metropolis, signaling an enormous transformation in their capabilities. Manufacturing weapons themselves is increasing significantly while submarine-like robots and drones are being developed and cyber warfare operations conducted as well as cyber security attacks against Israel itself.
Iran provides its arsenal with rockets with ranges up to 100 miles that cover much of the country, while locally made versions match them in power and precision. One such Iranian-supplied rocket, Qassam, can carry explosive payloads capable of striking city-sized targets quickly while being easy to produce using common household and farm items.
Experts note that rockets lack the guidance and maneuverability required for effective use, prompting experts to speculate that Hamas may now focus on building its own drones or submarine-like robots in order to increase precision and range while providing more sustainable rocket supplies compared with smuggling or local production methods.
Hand grenades
Hand grenades are small explosive devices designed to be thrown by attackers. Once it explodes, they can cause serious injury or even kill those nearby. Fragmentation grenades are most frequently used; when they explode they send out fast pieces of metal in all directions when it explodes; other types include ones designed for close combat situations or contain tear gas to control riots.
Hamas uses rocket-propelled grenades and drones, although their source remains unclear. A video posted to social media by Hamas claimed they used these weapons against Israeli soldiers along the Gaza border on October 7.
Hamas will attempt to offset Israel’s overwhelming firepower through hit-and-run tactics involving homemade rockets and indigenous weaponry, similar to how Hezbollah managed to fight IDF troops to a draw in 2006. Hamas may replicate these strategies.
Machine guns
Hamas manages to amass an arsenal despite Israel’s military presence through a combination of cunning, improvisation and perseverance; with assistance from an overseas donor.
Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad engineers, having received training in Iranian weapons production over decades, can make use of parts Iran has smuggled into Gaza to produce their own systems, according to Charles Lister, senior fellow for the Middle East Institute. Additionally, they can recycle streetlight poles, plumbing pipes and unexploded Israeli munitions into projectile tubes for use within their vast tunnel network.
Israel can still destroy Hamas missile workshops with an airstrike and has successfully degraded Hamas’ smuggling infrastructure that relies on an elaborate underground network spanning hundreds of kilometers into Israel. A sophisticated Israeli surveillance network and naval blockade further restrict Hamas’ reach; yet cheap drones and fixed machine guns equipped with remote triggers still pose serious threats.