Better to call it a family of different kinds of rockets. Qassam is just one specific rocket, one little one. Qassam-A I think is bigger. There are other rockets too.They're called "Qassam rocket" and the cost ranges from $300-800 — Manuel
The utility of the Qassam rocket design is assumed to be ease and speed of manufacture, using common tools and components. To this end, the rockets are propelled by a solid mixture of sugar and potassium nitrate, a common fertilizer. The warhead is filled with smuggled or scavenged TNT and urea nitrate, another common fertilizer. The warhead's explosive material is similar to the civilian explosive ammonite.
The rocket consists of a steel cylinder, containing a rectangular block of the propellant. A steel plate which forms and supports the nozzles is then spot-welded to the base of the cylinder. The warhead consists of a simple metal shell surrounding the explosives, and is triggered by a fuse constructed using a simple firearm cartridge, spring and a nail.[15]
The cost of the materials used for manufacturing each Qassam is up to $800 or €500 (in 2008–2009) per rocket.
Israel is just on another level, though I've read that, when it comes to the Iron Dome, most of it is PR. — Manuel
Commentary from US media has pointed out that Iran is almost certainly involved in this attack — Wayfarer
Meanwhile it suits Putin down to the ground to have this flare up, it will divert attention and possibly arms from his illegal war. — Wayfarer
It feels as if, had they not done something like this, they would simply remained ignored as Israel gets peace treaty after peace treaty with traditional enemies. It's no justification mind you, it's context.
[...] but because it has this nihilistic and delusional vision where this will provoke Israel into the "final, apocalyptic, battle," they are fated to lose. — Count Timothy von Icarus
Unfortunately, the Israelis (i.e. post-'67 Zion-über-alles Likudniks) expect continued military & economic support and absolute security guarantees from the US because of Israel's active national policy to keep on "humiliating and beating" non-Jewish populations "to death over and over". Futile, murderous David seems now nothing but American hegemon-backed Goliath's highly profitable atrocity machine's raison d'etre (with civilian casualities on both sides considered acceptable, unavoidable, costs of doing business by "the planners" in Tel Aviv and Washington, DC). I wonder, however, have they planned for a wider war? No doubt Tehran & Moscow want one (though Beijing & Brussels certainly don't due to the coming price shocks in global oil markets and winter just a couple months away).You can't keep humiliating and beating people to death, over and over, and expect nothing. — Manuel
Now you can educate: have any of Israel's neighbors ever offered peace or reversed their desire to annihilate the Israeli state and the people in it?You can't keep humiliating and beating people to death, over and over, and expect nothing. — Manuel
Don't confuse the nation-states with their populations as official Western media regurgitate ad nauseam. This persistent conflict is like an abandoned depot of boobytrapped, live munitions & WMDs left over from the US-Soviet Cold War. Besides, all the players are still incentivized as client-assets (or legacy operations) in one way or another by either side. The historical geopolitical context matters, sir; "peace" – wanting it or not – is only tactic.My belief is that the Israelis want peace and their enemies do not. — tim wood
And actually on purpose.Yep, I should've added that they likely have more than one type of missile, but they tend to be rudimentary. — Manuel
They have planned for this for a long time. And now it seems to be right, add to the timing the 50th year anniversary of the Yom Kippur war (and the ugly surprise that was for Israel).Today's attack on Israel likely has been in preparation for much longer than the Judicial scheme has been stirring things up, but Jewish social unrest in Israel was certainly a help to Hamas. — BC
Let's see where that number goes to (up or down). But the reality is that Israel was caught surprised just like 50 years ago.At least 600 Israelis have been killed since Saturday morning's surprise attack by Hamas, with over 2,000 wounded and dozens of civilians and soldiers being held hostage in Gaza.
Just as with Americans or with any people, I wouldn't say that people like "Israelis" hold one belief. If you think that Americans are polarized with Trump supporters and liberals, then with Israelis it is as worse or even worse.My belief is that the Israelis want peace and their enemies do not. — tim wood
I wonder, however, have they planned for a wider war? No doubt Tehran & Moscow want one (though Beijing & Brussels certainly don't due to the coming price shocks in global oil markets and winter just a couple months away). — 180 Proof
I think for Hamas the idea may be the same: by launching this attack, they note to their people and to the World that they exist. Now for them it's only the part of enduring the Israeli counterattack. Because ending the open prison of Gaza for Bibi will be a very costly thing, hence likely they will make this retaliatory operation and possible free or get freed the prisoners. — ssu
My belief is that the Israelis want peace and their enemies do not.
My belief is that the Israelis want peace and their enemies do not. — tim wood
Or perhaps Hamas could get much restock and replenishment for attacking Israel. Unfortunately many good meaning initiatives have backfired. Basically you have to have truly strong politicians that can make peace in the Middle East. Far more easier it is to be there a hawk.I think this is right. It's a high price to pay in terms of lives, but it's a desperate situation. Ironically, I do believe that if the blockade on Gaza was lifted and the people there had a decent life, violence would go way down. Collective punishment just leads to retaliation. — Manuel
Get involved in philosophical discussions about knowledge, truth, language, consciousness, science, politics, religion, logic and mathematics, art, history, and lots more. No ads, no clutter, and very little agreement — just fascinating conversations.