Hamas in the market for missile guidance systems
Wednesday, January 7, 2009 Free Headline Alerts
GAZA CITY — The Hamas regime has been seeking to acquire or develop a guidance system for its extended-range missiles and rockets.
Hamas sources said the Islamic regime in the Gaza Strip has appealed to its allies to deliver a guidance system for its Katyusha-class rockets. The sources said Hamas has been dissatisfied with the accuracy of its missile and rocket strikes against Israel.
"The attacks have been much more effective than in the past, but we still lack the ability to designate and strike a target," a Hamas source said.
On Jan. 6, Hamas conducted its deepest rocket strike in Israel. A 220 mm Chinese-origin rocket landed in the southern city of Gedera, traveling 45 kilometers into Israel and injuring a baby.
The source said Hamas, with help from Iran, has significantly improved its missile and rocket arsenal in 2008. Hamas was said to have enhanced its warheads and added stabilizers to missiles and rockets.
"Most of the missiles and rockets we fire now reach Israel," the source said. "Only three years ago, most of what we fired would land in the Gaza Strip."
But Hamas sources said Iran has refused to deliver a missile or rocket guidance system to the Gaza Strip. The sources said Teheran has linked such a Hamas request to control over the Palestinian weapons arsenal.
"We have allowed Iran significant influence in our decisions and operations," another Hamas source said. "But we can't allow them to make decisions for us."
Mohammed Nazal, a leading Hamas political figure based in Damascus, said Hamas would fight without its Iranian ally. Nazal said Hamas has asked neither Iran nor Hizbullah to intervene militarily in the war with Israel.