Israeli President Claims Hamas Fighters Carried Instructions for Creating Chemical Weapons, Including Cyanide Bombs

Documents found on Hamas fighters outline methods for creating a "cyanide dispersion device", suggesting potential for chemical weapons use; independent verification of claims remains challenging.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog alleges that instructions were found on a Hamas attacker, detailing how to create a cyanide dispersion device, indicating the terrorist organization's intent to use chemical weapons.
The instructions were reportedly found on a USB drive on the body of a Hamas terrorist who participated in the attack on Kibbutz Be’eri, during which around 20 percent of the area's residents were killed or kidnapped.
These claims have been met with skepticism. Despite some confirmation that parts of the material appear to originate from a 2003 Al Qaeda manual, independent verification of the documents’ origin or validity has proved challenging.
Despite the instructions, there is no evidence to suggest that Hamas fighters had acquired or possessed the necessary components to create such a chemical weapon.
The Israeli government has faced considerable international criticism for its response to the attacks, with some accusing it of using the chemical weapon claim to defend what they perceive as a disproportionate response.