In a recent analysis of video footage and a review by explosive weapons experts, it has been found that munitions made in the United States were utilized in the deadly Israeli strike on a displacement camp in Rafah. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least 45 individuals, including women and children, with over 200 others sustaining injuries.

The strike, carried out on the outskirts of Gaza's southernmost city, caused a fire to break out in the camp, leading to widespread devastation and chaos. Disturbing footage obtained by CNN showcased the camp engulfed in flames, with desperate civilians, including men, women, and children, seeking shelter from the assault. Tragically, rescuers were seen pulling out charred bodies, including those of innocent children, from the wreckage.

The escalating assault by the Israeli military in Rafah, where around 1.3 million Palestinians were seeking refuge, has drawn sharp international condemnation. United Nations agencies, aid groups, and multiple governments have urged Israel to immediately halt its offensive. However, despite these calls, US President Joe Biden has not altered his policy towards Israel, indicating that the deadly Rafah strike has not crossed a red line that would lead to changes in American support.

CNN conducted a geolocation analysis of videos showcasing the aftermath of the strike on the camp known as "Kuwait Peace Camp 1." The investigation confirmed the presence of a fragment belonging to a US-made GBU-39 small diameter bomb (SDB) in the footage. Experts in explosive weapons assessment identified the unique characteristics of the GBU-39, manufactured by Boeing, which is a high-precision munition designed to minimize collateral damage. Nevertheless, the use of any munition, even of this size, in a densely populated area carries inherent risks.

While the specific variant of the GBU-39 used in this case remains unclear, experts have ruled out the Focused Lethality Munition (FLM), which has a larger explosive payload but causes less collateral damage. The serial numbers on the remnants of the munitions also matched a manufacturer of GBU-39 parts in California, further indicating their US origin.

Despite the mounting political pressure on the Biden administration over the Gaza offensive, the United States has continued its considerable support as the largest supplier of arms to Israel. Last month, Biden signed a foreign aid bill allocating $26 billion for the Israel-Hamas conflict, including substantial military aid to Israel and humanitarian aid for Gaza.

In a briefing, IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari acknowledged the use of small warheads containing 17 kilos of explosives, consistent with the GBU-39's traditional warhead. However, he also stated that the deadly fire that followed the strike was not solely caused by the Israeli military's weapons. The IDF is investigating the possibility that the strike unintentionally set off stored weapons in a nearby compound.

Despite international outrage and a warning from the US, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that Israel would continue its operation in Rafah. The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dire consequences of conflicts in densely populated areas, especially when highly precise munitions are employed.

As the investigation unfolds, calls for accountability and a cessation of hostilities are intensifying, raising concerns about civilian casualties and the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing violence in the region.