Palestinian social media are abuzz with reports of an Israeli tank incursion into central Rafah, where eyewitnesses have described seeing a new type of vehicle they have dubbed “robotic” or “electronic” tanks. The nature and purpose of these vehicles have sparked widespread speculation and confusion among users.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the exact nature of these unmanned vehicles, some users have claimed that their deployment highlights “the fear and panic in the hearts of the Zionists,” suggesting that Israel is seeking methods to minimize its own casualties.

Some social media users believe these robots are being used to detect and clear land mines ahead of advancing forces. Others suggest that these tank-like robots are deployed to explore areas and intimidate residents, forcing them off the streets.

Reports on social media have varied, with The Jerasalem Post reporting that some suggests Palestinian Islamic Jihad successfully destroyed an Israeli “booby-trapped tank.”

Palestinian influencer Hamza Al-Masri, who has 660,000 followers, posted pictures of Israeli tanks, cautioning that “these robot tanks entered Jabalya camp before and exploded. These are booby-trapped tanks. Please be careful and stay away from them. There are no armed clashes; the sound of gunfire is being issued by the tanks themselves at the Zoroub roundabout, west of Rafah.”

“We just arrived at Zoroub Square and inquired about the situation. It turned out that there were army robots, not manned tanks, arriving after Rabaa from the direction of the axis,” wrote one eyewitness.

Another user reported, “Robotic tanks are centering near Za’rab in Rafah.” One user speculated that these tanks are designed to demolish buildings, similar to operations in Jabalya.

Adding to the speculation, Qatari news outlet Al-Jazeera claimed that the IDF is using “booby-trapped robots” in its incursions into Gazan cities, releasing a video purportedly showing an unmanned vehicle that subsequently explodes.

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