An analysis of the shrapnel from an Israeli strike in Rafah on Sunday confirmed the use of a U.S.-made GBU-39 bomb, according to munitions experts consulted by CBS News. The attack resulted in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians and subsequent fires.

"I instantly knew the housing was a GBU," Trevor Ball, a former ordnance disposal tech for the U.S. Army, told CBS News. "It's a very distinct object, the GBU. It's a very unique round."

Photos and videos taken by journalist Alam Sadeq in Gaza, who visited the scene on Monday, were used to identify the bomb remnants. Sadeq found several pieces of shrapnel with English words on them near damaged tents that had housed civilians. He recognized the words from bomb remnants seen after a previous strike in Gaza, collected the fragments, and photographed them.





"The whole actuator assembly is unique," Ball explained, emphasizing the distinctiveness of the GBU-39.

Richard Weir, senior researcher in the Crisis, Conflict and Arms division at Human Rights Watch, supported Ball's identification. "The tail section...matches up directly with the GBU-39 small diameter bomb, which is U.S. made," Weir said. He noted that the warhead's explosive weight also matched the GBU-39's specifications.

When questioned by CBS News about the use of U.S.-made munitions in the strike, Secretary of State Antony Blinken described the incident as "horrific" but stated he could not confirm the specific weapons used. "We have to see what the investigation shows," Blinken remarked, highlighting the potential for "horrific unintended consequences" even in targeted operations.

Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari reported that the Rafah strike targeted terrorists responsible for orchestrating attacks against Israelis. Hagari claimed the strike used two munitions with small warheads and that the subsequent large fire is still under investigation.

Following the strike, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a "tragic mishap" and announced an investigation.

Weir emphasized the severe risks of using such weapons near populated areas. "Israel has plenty of other munitions," Weir said, suggesting that smaller, more precise options were available.

Ball agreed, noting that explosives release significant heat and can cause fires, especially in areas with flammable materials. "Technically, if you drop one in the desert...it can't cause a fire on its own. But...in camps, it could easily have caused a fire."
Credit: CNN