‘Unmasking Hamas' arsenal: weapons in possession with Israel’s attacker

Since the onset of Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, over 1400 Israelis and some foreigners have lost their lives. In retaliation, Israeli actions have led to more than 2750 casualties in Gaza, with an additional 9700 individuals sustaining injuries, according to reports from the Gaza-based Health Ministry. This attack was not a result of overnight raid but rather the culmination of extensive planning along with the use of some advanced arms and ammunition.

In this story, we will provide a comprehensive report on the arms currently employed by the Hamas terror group in its attacks on Israel.

The Mutabar-1 air defence system is a short-range, low-altitude system developed by Palestinian resistance forces. It was introduced around October 9, 2023, following a series of attacks on Israel perpetrated by Hamas on October 7. The system was revealed in a video released for the first time by the Al-Qassam Brigades. At first glance, the system resembles a modified mortar but may have the capability to take down Israeli rotor-wing craft like Apaches or other helicopters used in transport operations, which might be employed for counter-terrorism operations or rescue missions in the Gaza Strip.

Mutabar-1 system in display. | Image: X

According to reports, Mutabar is a somewhat short-range ‘point’ aerial defence system with limited capability to strike targets within 6 to 8 kilometres. There have been some claims that this could have been the artillery that hit the C-53 Sikorsky, or the Yasur helicopter as it is known in Israel, that was downed around October 7 during the Hamas attack on Israel.

Qassam rockets, deployed by the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' military arm, have been a recurrent element in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Developed in 2001 by Tito Masoud and Nidal Farhat, these rockets lack precision targeting capabilities and are considered indiscriminate when used in populated areas. Human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch, deem their use against civilians and civilian targets a war crime and a violation of international law.

Image Al Qassam rockets of Hamas. | Image: X

Named after Izz ad-Din al-Qassam, a Syrian Islamic preacher whose death in 1935 spurred the Arab revolt in Palestine, the rockets are designed for swift and straightforward deployment. Fueled by a mixture of sugar and potassium nitrate, with TNT and urea nitrate as explosive components, they pose a threat mostly to Israeli civilians and civilian complexes. The cost of producing each Qassam rocket is estimated to be around $800 or €500 (in 2008–2009). Since their inception, these rockets have resulted in casualties among both Israeli citizens and Palestinians. A video from 2021 showed how Hamas can even make these rockets by simply restructuring water pipes. Recently, in another video, Hamas showcased another variant of the missile which can hit targets up to 8 kilometers or more and weighs more than 100 kilograms, resembling the Iranian Falaq 2 rockets.

newer AL-Qassam rockets with greater range. | Image: X

Hamas uses an array of Kamikaze drones, and there is substantive evidence that these drones have originated in Iran. Most sources allege that Iran has been facilitating the export of these drones to Hamas. Recently, Hamas, in a propaganda video, showcased its newest Al-Zouari drone. Hamas also operates the Iranian Ababil series drones, Sehab, and other smaller Quadcopters restructured with RPG-7s which, as seen in the war, were used to attack Israeli Merkava tanks. The Kamikaze drones can carry ammunition up to 40 kilograms and can target up to 250 kilometres away, although Al-Zouari’s specifications have not been clarified.

First visuals of Hamas' Al-Zouari drone. | Image: X 

Hamas also used mortars, ranging from heavy to small, to target Israeli border outposts and the border patrols. Its main purpose, however, during the October 7 attack, was to distract the Israeli border troops to facilitate infiltration by Hamas terrorists. Hamas also possesses anti-tank weapons from the Soviet era, including RPG-7s, to smuggled Konkurs and Kornet ATGMs. ATGMs have been seen in action after the conflict broke out, with the older RPG-7s, as per visuals from the conflict, confirming Merkava kills in its count.

Hamas terrorists with Russian and western small arms. | Image: X

As per unconfirmed reports, Hamas might also possess smuggled Igla and Stinger MANPADS, along with small arms from Afghanistan that entered the black market following America’s exit. Some Chinese rockets have also been spotted in Hamas’s possession.

Disclaimer: The Israel-Hamas War coverage has brought with it disturbing and distressing visuals and footage from the ground. As part of the Israel Dispatches, disturbing visuals may have been captured on-camera.