IDF finds Chinese weapons used in Gaza - report

"China has an extensive arms industry," an expert on China-Israel relations said. "By definition, it does not sell weapons to non-state entities."

 Israeli soldiers stand by tanks, near the Israel-Gaza border, December 30, 2023 (photo credit: AMIR COHEN/REUTERS)
Israeli soldiers stand by tanks, near the Israel-Gaza border, December 30, 2023
(photo credit: AMIR COHEN/REUTERS)

A "massive" number of Chinese weaponry used by Palestinian terrorists has been seized by the IDF in Gaza, N12 reported on Saturday.

As per the report, the political echelon was briefed on the findings.

How did Chinese weapons get to Gazan terrorists' hands?

Following N12's report, Carice Witte, CEO and founder of SIGNAL Group and an expert on China-Israel relations, said that while it is certainly possible Chinese weapons have made it to the Palestinian terrorist group's hands, it was not bought directly from Beijing.

"China has an extensive arms industry," Witte said. "By definition, it does not sell weapons to non-state entities, it certainly does sell weapons to countries in the [Middle East].

FILE PHOTO - Military vehicles carrying DF-21D ballistic missiles roll to Tiananmen Square during a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2015 (credit: DAMIR SAGOLJ/ REUTERS)
FILE PHOTO - Military vehicles carrying DF-21D ballistic missiles roll to Tiananmen Square during a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2015 (credit: DAMIR SAGOLJ/ REUTERS)

According to Witte, those responsible for the weaponry's presence in Gaza are either countries or independent Chinese actors illegally selling weapons to Gazan-based groups.

"Trade relations between China and Middle Eastern nations are well known, even with those sanctioned by the West," she added. "It is not impossible that such weaponry ends up in the wrong hands.

She added that Israel "must check the issue with official Chinese authorities."