Aid workers in Gaza have circulated a video purporting to show a surgeon removing a "fully intact bullet" from a wound, alleging it serves as proof of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) utilizing .50 caliber weapons against civilians. The content, shared by a social media account, questioned the ballistics of such a projectile, stating, > "What kind of gun fires fully intact bullets?" This incident adds to ongoing concerns regarding the nature of injuries sustained by Palestinians in the conflict zone.
The tweet specifically highlighted the removal of an unfragmented .50 caliber bullet, a detail that has drawn attention given the typical ballistic behavior of high-velocity rounds. While common military Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullets are designed to penetrate without expanding, high-energy impacts, especially with bone, usually result in significant deformation or fragmentation. However, in certain circumstances, such as striking soft tissue without encountering resistant structures, a bullet could theoretically remain largely intact.
The .50 caliber round is a powerful cartridge typically associated with heavy machine guns or anti-materiel sniper rifles, designed for long-range engagements and significant destructive power. While the IDF employs a range of high-caliber sniper rifles, including .338 Lapua Magnum, there have been previous reports of Hamas also utilizing .50 caliber Iranian-made sniper rifles, such as the AM-50 Sayyad, within the Gaza Strip.
This specific video emerges amidst broader reports from medical professionals in Gaza and the West Bank, who have consistently documented "unusual and severe bullet wounds" among injured Palestinians. These doctors have raised concerns since at least March 2024 about the potential use of high-velocity, expanding, or fragmenting projectiles, which are restricted under international humanitarian law due to their capacity to inflict excessive suffering. The Israeli military has consistently denied using illegal weapons and asserts that its operations adhere strictly to international law, often initiating investigations into allegations of civilian harm.
The circulation of the video by aid workers underscores the persistent scrutiny over military conduct and the humanitarian impact of the conflict in Gaza. The claim of an intact .50 caliber bullet raises further questions about the specific types of ammunition involved and their effects on the civilian population.