No, this video does not prove Israel used a thermobaric bomb in Gaza
France 24
by The FRANCE 24 ObserversFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A video circulating on social media claiming to show Israel's use of a thermobaric bomb in Gaza has been widely shared but thoroughly debunked by experts. The footage, viewed over 8 million times, was initially interpreted as evidence of a highly lethal "thermobaric and pressure bomb" due to its dramatic visuals, including a massive shockwave and black smoke plume. However, investigations reveal the video was taken out of context and actually depicts a conventional ground-level explosion used to destroy a Hamas tunnel in Gaza.
The video first gained attention in November 2025 when users claimed it showed a "miniature nuclear bomb." France 24's Observers team analyzed the footage and determined it likely represents a controlled detonation of conventional explosives, not a thermobaric device. Weapons expert Trevor Ball confirmed there is no evidence of a thermobaric bomb in the video, noting such weapons are designed to explode above ground, unlike the visible ground-level blast.
Thermobaric bombs rely on a combination of intense heat and overpressure to cause destruction, distinguishing them from conventional explosives that depend on shrapnel. Gilles Denglos, an accredited French explosives expert, explained the video's shockwave was a "Wilson cloud," a condensation phenomenon caused by the explosive force passing through humid air—a feature common to all ground-level detonations.
Al Jazeera's recent investigation claiming Israel used thermobaric bombs in Gaza has been met with skepticism. Snopes fact-checked the report and found no concrete evidence supporting its claims. Michael Shurkin, program director at 14 North Strategies, emphasized that while thermobaric weapons may be part of Israel's arsenal, there is no verified proof they were deployed in this specific conflict. The investigation cited bomb models like MK-84, BLU-109, and GBU-39, none of which are known to use thermobaric explosives.
This issue highlights the importance of fact-checking in viral claims about warfare and military tactics. Misinformation can spread rapidly online, causing public panic and distorting perceptions of conflict. The case underscores the need for accurate reporting to ensure informed discussions about global events like the Gaza-Israel situation.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/19/2026