What is Iron Sting? Israel's latest 'precision' weapon used against Hamas

In its first, Israel has used its 'Iron Sting' weapon system in the operations against Hamas since the attack on October 7. The Israeli Air Force confirmed on Sunday that it had used its 'Iron Sting' against Gaza in the overnight airstrikes.

"The Maglan Unit, in cooperation with the Air Force, thwarted dozens of terrorists using a variety of weapons, including an innovative and accurate mortar bomb, called 'Iron Sting'," the Israeli Air Force wrote in X (formerly Twitter).

What is Iron Sting?

Iron Sting weapon system--laser and GPS guided mortar is designed to hit targets in urban environments.

The Iron Sting missiles were developed by Elbit Systems and was first unveiled by the Ministry of Defence and Ground Forces in 2021, reported The Jerusalem Post.

The weapon consists of a 120 mm mortar that use GPS and laser guidance to precisely hit targets. It has a range of 1-12 km and can penetrate double-reinforced concrete.

The weapon is designed in such a way to target precisely reducing the collateral damage and preventing injury to non-combatants.

Earlier, Israel's anti-missile system, Iron Dome, one of the best air defence systems in the world, intercepted many rockets that was fired from Gaza. Iron Dome missile defence system is a land-based air defence system. It destroys short-range rockets, shells and mortars. Since its introduction in 2011, it has become the main part of the country's defence.

According to Gaza Health Ministry, over 5,000 Palestinians died so far since the Hamas attack. Even as the hospitals are overwhelmed with wounded and patients suffering from multiple diseases, third convoy carrying humanitarian aid had entered Egypt’s Rafah border.

Along with the airstrikes, Israel military on Monday said ground forces launched limited raids within the Palestinian enclave. Israel airstrikes are targeting occupied West Bank, Syria and Lebanon.

Meanwhile, discussions on supplying more vital aid into Gaza is underway among the world leaders. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrel said that in normal times, without war, 100 trucks enter into Gaza everyday, so clearly 20 trucks are not enough.

So far, 34 trucks carrying humanitarian aids had entered Gaza since Saturday.