A widely circulated video claiming to demonstrate the Israeli military using thermobaric bombs in Gaza has been debunked by experts, who say the footage actually depicts a controlled explosion used to destroy a Hamas tunnel. The video, viewed more than 8 million times on X (formerly Twitter), was initially shared by China Pulse, an account recently flagged for spreading disinformation, fueling concerns about the origin and veracity of the claim. The allegations arrive amid intense scrutiny of the conflict in Gaza and the weapons being used by all parties.
The claim that Israel deployed “thermobaric and pressure bombs” capable of killing “thousands in seconds, leaving no trace” quickly gained traction online. However, analysis by the FRANCE 24 Observers team, conducted as early as November 2025, determined the video showed a deliberate detonation of conventional explosives. This initial investigation followed similar claims that the explosion represented a “miniature nuclear bomb,” which were also dismissed by experts.
Trevor Ball, a conflict researcher with the online investigative site Bellingcat, stated on X that “there’s nothing that indicates This represents thermobaric.” This assessment aligns with the findings of Gilles Denglos, a French court-accredited explosives expert, who explained that thermobaric bombs are designed to detonate *above* ground, unlike the explosion depicted in the video, which appears to be a “significant charge on the ground.”
Understanding the Explosion: A ‘Wilson Cloud’ Effect
Another weapons expert, speaking on condition of anonymity, further clarified the nature of the spectacular shockwave visible in the footage. They identified the phenomenon as a “Wilson cloud,” a condensation cloud that forms when a shockwave from an explosion passes through humid air. This effect, the expert explained, is independent of the type of explosive used, meaning its presence doesn’t indicate the apply of a thermobaric weapon.
Thermobaric bombs, also known as vacuum bombs, achieve their destructive power through a combined impact of heat and overpressure. This differs from conventional explosives, which rely on the force of flying fragments. The expert emphasized that the visual characteristics of the explosion in the video are consistent with a conventional detonation.
Al Jazeera Report and Independent Verification
The renewed claims of thermobaric weapon use surfaced alongside an investigation by Al Jazeera published on February 10, alleging that Israeli forces had deployed “thermal” and “thermobaric” weapons in Gaza. The report cited claims from the Civil Defence agency in Gaza, operating under Hamas authorities, that 2,842 Palestinians had “evaporated” since the start of the conflict.
However, independent fact-checking organizations have questioned the veracity of these claims. Snopes, which reviewed the Al Jazeera investigation, stated it is “currently impossible to independently verify the use of such weapons based on the information available at this stage.” Michael Shurkin, programme director at the US consulting firm 14 North Strategies, echoed this sentiment, stating, “There is no evidence that the Israeli army has used thermobaric weapons in Gaza. They may have, or they may not have; Al Jazeera provides no concrete proof.”
Further analysis by Trevor Ball, shared on X, indicated that the specific types of bombs identified by Al Jazeera – MK-84 900kg bombs, BLU-109 bunker busters, and GBU-39 glide bombs – are not equipped with thermobaric explosives according to official military specifications. Ball noted that these bombs are typically loaded with aluminised explosives, which enhance blast effects but are commonly used in various types of munitions.
Impact and Concerns Regarding Bomb Usage
While the investigation did not confirm the use of thermobaric weapons, the sheer power of the conventional bombs used in the conflict is capable of causing devastating injuries and fatalities. The weapons expert noted that the disintegration of bodies is a “common effect” of aerial bombs, regardless of whether they are thermobaric. Despite this, Amnesty International has denounced the Israeli military’s use of MK-84 bombs in strikes on civilian areas as a potential violation of international law.
As of January 29, figures released by the Palestinian Ministry of Health and accepted by the Israeli army indicate that 72,045 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza. This underscores the immense human cost of the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for accountability regarding the use of all weapons.
This article is a translation of the original reporting published by France 24.
The debate surrounding the types of weapons used in Gaza continues, and further independent investigation is needed to fully assess the impact of the conflict on civilians. The Israeli military has not commented directly on the specific allegations regarding thermobaric weapons. The next official update regarding the investigation into potential violations of international law is expected from Amnesty International in March.
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