Fact Check: Hamas turned water pipes into rockets

Fact Check: "Hamas turned water pipes into rockets"

What We Know

The claim that "Hamas turned water pipes into rockets" is supported by various reports and analyses of the group's military capabilities. According to a New York Times article, Hamas has indeed utilized materials such as plumbing pipes to manufacture rockets. This is a result of their need to innovate under the constraints of a blockade that limits access to conventional military supplies. The article notes that Hamas has developed a method of creating rockets from dual-use materials, which can serve both civilian and military purposes.

Additionally, a report from the Israel-Hamas 2024 Symposium discusses the construction of Qassam rockets, which are described as crude and unguided, often made from steel or metal tubes, including water pipes. The report emphasizes that these rockets are designed for area attacks, contributing to their indiscriminate nature when fired into civilian areas.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is substantial, particularly from credible sources that detail Hamas's military operations and capabilities. The Israel-Hamas 2024 Symposium provides a thorough examination of the technical aspects of Qassam rockets, including their construction from materials that may include water pipes. This source is reliable as it presents a detailed analysis of the rockets' design and intended use, alongside legal implications under international law.

However, while the claim is accurate regarding the use of water pipes in rocket construction, it is essential to consider the broader context. The BBC highlights the ongoing challenges of rebuilding Gaza without inadvertently rearming Hamas, indicating that the group has developed a sophisticated arsenal despite international efforts to limit its military capabilities. This suggests that while water pipes are used, they are part of a larger, more complex military manufacturing process that includes various materials and technologies.

The CNN report also corroborates the claim, detailing the types of weapons in Hamas's arsenal, including homemade rockets. This further reinforces the notion that Hamas has adapted its strategies and resources in response to external pressures.

Conclusion

The claim that "Hamas turned water pipes into rockets" is Partially True. While it accurately reflects the innovative methods employed by Hamas in utilizing available materials for military purposes, it simplifies a more complex reality. The use of water pipes is just one aspect of a broader strategy that includes various other materials and technologies in the production of their weapons. Thus, while the statement is grounded in fact, it does not fully capture the extent of Hamas's military capabilities and the context of their operations.

Fact Check: Hamas turned water pipes into rockets