Israel employs armored vehicles to clear roadside bombs in Gaza, claims media

JERUSALEM

The Israeli army has been using remotely controlled explosive-laden armored personnel carriers (APCs) to neutralize improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and traps set by Palestinian resistance groups in Gaza, a local Israeli daily claimed in its report on Saturday.

"The source of the powerful explosions heard on Thursday across southern and central Israel was the Israeli army's use of old M113 armored personnel carriers, packed with tons of explosives, to detonate areas rigged with traps and explosive devices in Gaza," Yedioth Ahronoth claimed in its report.

"The military uses heavily armored M113 APCs, filled with explosives, to destroy sites rigged with explosive devices remotely," it added.

The APCs’ weight triggers IEDs planted by Hamas on roads, resulting in massive explosions, according to the daily.

On Thursday, residents across Israel reported hearing a series of explosions. While the Israeli army did not issue an official explanation, it was speculated that they were related to ongoing "operations" in Gaza.

Eyewitnesses in Gaza told Anadolu about the large-scale demolitions of remaining buildings in northern Gaza carried out by the Israeli army.

Israel launched a large-scale ground offensive in northern Gaza on Oct. 5, allegedly to prevent Hamas from regrouping. Palestinians, however, accuse Israel of aiming to occupy the area and forcibly displace its residents.

Since the Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border attack by Hamas, Israel has killed nearly 45,500 people in Gaza, leaving the enclave in ruins.

Last month, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.