In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, concerns are mounting over the use of powerful bombs by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), as documented by a recent investigation by The New York Times. The report reveals that Israel possesses both the GBU-39 and MK-84 bombs, raising questions about their impact on civilian safety in Gaza.

The GBU-39, known for its precision and ability to strike underground targets, is crucial for Israel's efforts to combat Hamas' extensive tunnel network. With an explosive capacity of 37 pounds, the GBU-39 can cause damage in a 1,000-foot radius when detonated in open areas, potentially endangering nearby civilians.

In comparison, the MK-84 bomb possesses 25 times more explosive power than the GBU-39, with a blast radius three times larger. The IDF has reportedly been dropping 2,000-pound bombs in areas designated as safe for civilians in Gaza, according to The New York Times' visual investigation.

One significant concern with the use of larger bombs is the increased risk of fragmentation. Upon impact, the metal casing of these bombs can explode, sending deadly pieces shooting hundreds of feet in all directions, potentially causing harm to bystanders beyond the initial blast radius.

Despite these concerns, the IDF reportedly favors the larger bombs due to their effectiveness in destroying tunnels swiftly. American intelligence sources estimate that over 40 percent of the nearly 30,000 air-to-surface bombs dropped on Gaza so far are "dumb bombs," which lack guidance systems and pose a greater threat to civilians, particularly in densely-populated areas.

These bombs, when detonated, have been observed to leave massive craters resembling "earthquake-like" formations, measuring over 20 meters wide and more than 13 meters deep. Such destruction further adds to the burden faced by civilians in Gaza, who are already grappling with the displacement of 1.1 million people fleeing to the south from their homes in the north.

When questioned about the use of these bombs in civilian areas, an Israeli military spokesperson asserted that the "priority" is to "destroy Hamas," dismissing concerns about civilian casualties. The spokesperson indicated that investigations into these reports would be conducted at a later stage.

Israel has maintained its commitment to minimizing civilian deaths in the conflict, but the densely-populated urban landscape of Gaza presents challenges in effectively targeting Hamas militants while avoiding harm to innocent civilians. As the conflict continues, the international community and humanitarian organizations remain concerned about the potential humanitarian implications of Israel's use of powerful bombs in civilian areas.