Hamas terrorists executed a shocking and unprecedented attack against an Israeli music festival situated near the Gaza Strip. They employed powered gliders for this devastating assault. Several videos documenting the terrorists' descent onto the festival site via these motorized gliders have surfaced on social media. Subsequently, many festival attendees fell victim to either being gunned down or taken hostage by these Hamas terrorists.
This event marked the very first instance of powered gliders being employed for such a nefarious purpose. Several factors may have contributed to the decision of the Falcon, the aerial branch of the Hamas terrorist group, to utilize this unconventional weaponry. Let's explore these factors in depth.
Powered paragliders, a popular adventure sport, typically maintain speeds ranging from 24 to 80 km/h and can reach altitudes of up to 18,000 feet (5,500 meters) or even higher, given specific permissions. These lightweight machines weigh between 20 kg and 41 kg and require support from the pilot during takeoff. Their slow forward velocity and soft wings make them less suitable for high winds, turbulence, or intense thermal activity, especially in the hands of inexperienced pilots.
The ability of these gliders to fly at low speeds and altitudes, coupled with their simplicity, low maintenance costs, and portability, rendered them an appealing choice for Hamas. This combination enabled the terrorist group to evade radar systems and swiftly approach their targets. By flying at low altitudes and breaching the Gaza border fence, Hamas terrorists managed to elude Israel's Iron Dome radar system as hundreds of gliders took off and landed in Israel within minutes.
In an unprecedented move, Hamas terrorists launched an attack against Israel on October 7, catching the Israeli forces off-guard. This multi-faceted assault, involving ground, air, and water-based attacks, left the Israeli troops in a state of confusion, making it challenging to mount an effective response. The Iron Dome system, designed to counteract incoming rockets and missiles with specific signatures, proved ineffective against these motor gliders.
Commander Rajeev Sardana, a former Navy veteran, explained that the "ease and cost-effectiveness of powered gliders" made them a convenient choice for Hamas terrorists. "With the ability to carry up to 15 liters of petrol and travel up to 100 kilometers, these gliders offered an affordable means of penetrating Israeli territory and causing mayhem. The entire operation, from assembly to takeoff, could be completed in mere minutes, making them a formidable tool for terrorists," he added. Additionally, training for powered gliders is not particularly complex, and pilots can be trained within a few weeks.
For the adventure community, the transformation of paramotoring into a weapon of terror is a shocking and disheartening development. Archana, an adventure enthusiast, expressed her disbelief, saying, "We had never thought that paramotors could be used like this to kill people. It's very shocking for us."
Commander Sardana highlights the distinction between guerrilla warfare and the use of such a "poor man's weapon" as paramotoring. Unlike traditional military operations that require helicopters or aircraft, paramotoring enables quick and stealthy infiltration without radar detection.
Group Captain Singh further emphasizes the versatility of the equipment, noting that in just a few minutes, the gliders can be assembled and launched, even in adverse wind conditions, making them highly effective for carrying out such operations.
The scale and audacity of the attack have thrust powered gliding into the spotlight, but its unexpected transformation into a military weapon has cast a shadow over its previously peaceful image.
In response to the unexpected attack by Hamas against Israel over the weekend, the Israeli forces launched a robust counteroffensive, resulting in approximately 2,800 casualties on both sides. Numerous videos have emerged on social media depicting Hamas terrorists committing gruesome acts against Israelis, including killings inside homes and in front of families. Israel has also released images of infants whom they claim were killed by Hamas terrorists, although the terrorist group has refuted these claims, citing "media bias."
Israel has issued an evacuation order to Gazans, which includes more than 1 million people, requesting them to leave the region within 24 hours before a potential ground operation. Conversely, Hamas terrorists have urged residents of the Gaza Strip to remain in their homes. The anticipated ground invasion by Israel carries the risk of significant casualties.
Â
