The Israeli military has been modifying commercial drones to carry out attacks and surveillance in Gaza, according to an investigation by Al Jazeera’s Sanad verification unit.
The report found that drones made by Chinese tech company DJI have been used to strike hospitals and civilian shelters. They were also reportedly used to monitor Palestinian prisoners forced to act as human shields for heavily armed Israeli troops.
This is not the first time DJI drones have been altered for military use. During the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, similar tactics were reported by both sides. In response, DJI halted all sales to Russia and Ukraine and added software limits to control where and how high the drones could fly.
Despite these restrictions, DJI has continued selling drones to Israel.
DJI Drones and the Israeli Military
The Israeli army’s use of DJI drones dates back years. By 2018, reports showed widespread deployment of DJI models within the Israeli military. In 2019, the Israeli group Hamushim documented the use of DJI’s Matrice 600 drone to drop tear gas on protesters during the Great March of Return in Gaza.
However, the recent use of these drones for deadly attacks on civilians and protected sites marks a new and alarming development.
Al Jazeera has contacted Israeli authorities for comment on the findings but has not received a response as of publication.
