Report alleges israel used banned vacuum bombs in gaza, temperatures reportedly hit 3,500°c

Gaza inferno: investigation alleges use of vacuum bombs causing extreme heat and mass casualties.

A recent report titled “The Rest of the Story” has alleged that Israel used thermobaric, or so-called “vacuum bombs,” during military operations in Gaza — claims that, if verified, could raise serious international legal and humanitarian concerns. Thermobaric weapons are designed to disperse a fuel-like aerosol cloud before ignition, creating an intense fireball and pressure wave that consumes surrounding oxygen. According to the report, temperatures during such blasts can reportedly reach up to 3,500°C, causing devastating internal destruction even when buildings appear structurally intact from the outside.

Military analysts cited in the report, along with eyewitness accounts, claim that weapons commonly described as thermobaric or vacuum bombs were deployed in densely populated areas. Gaza’s Civil Defense authorities have stated that 2,842 Palestinians were recorded as having “no recoverable remains for burial,” while more than 3,500 individuals are still listed as missing. Human rights organisations have called for independent investigations, warning that the use of high-intensity explosive weapons in civilian areas could amount to violations of international humanitarian law. Israel has not publicly confirmed the use of thermobaric weapons.

The allegations come amid ongoing tensions despite a formal ceasefire entering its second phase after 100 days. Reports indicate that more than 500 Palestinians have been killed since October 10, 2025, even as ceasefire terms remain in place. Personal testimonies, including that of a mother searching for her son after an attack on Al-Tabin School in Gaza City, underscore the humanitarian toll of the conflict. According to Al Jazeera and other regional reports, the total death toll in Gaza has surpassed 72,000, though figures remain contested.

The report also references heavy munitions such as the Mk-84 bomb, BLU-109 bunker buster, and GBU-39 glide bomb, alleging fragments were recovered at strike sites. However, independent verification of specific weapon use remains limited.

The broader conflict has drawn global political attention. Former US President Donald Trump recently met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, where discussions reportedly covered Gaza, Iran, and regional security. The United States continues to provide Israel with approximately $3.8 billion annually in military aid under a long-term agreement, with additional emergency packages approved since the war began in October 2023.

As the war approaches its third year, Gaza faces widespread devastation. UN estimates suggest that clearing 51 million tonnes of debris could take a decade, while up to 90% of buildings have been damaged or destroyed. Displacement, food shortages, and infrastructure collapse continue to define daily life for millions of civilians.

International observers and humanitarian groups are calling for transparent investigations into all allegations of unlawful weapon use, as diplomatic efforts to stabilise the region continue amid fragile ceasefire conditions.