The New York Times investigation: Israel has used one-ton bombs in populated areas at least 200 times.
According to the AI-assisted investigation, the Times claims that during the first six weeks of the war, Israel regularly used the enormous bombs in areas deemed safe for civilians. The paper notes that although bombs of this magnitude are used by Western armies, weapons experts say the United States almost completely avoids using them in densely populated areas.
Results of one of the bombings in Rafah this month, Photo: AP
Times reporters asked the AI to search satellite imagery and drone footage of craters created by dropping bombs. Then, go through the search results and list the craters about 15 meters in diameter, suitable for one-ton bombs. They found 208 such craters and, they estimate, there may have been more.
The IDF Spokesperson told the newspaper that the objective of the operation was to destroy Hamas and that "questions of this kind will be answered at a later stage." It added that "the IDF is taking significant precautions to minimize harm to civilians."
However, the newspaper noted that the US demanded that Israel "do more to reduce the number of civilian casualties." The Pentagon has increased shipments of smaller bombs, which are better suited for use in urban areas. Since October, the US has sent Israel more than 5,000 MK-84 bombs weighing about a ton.
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