Palestinian factions have introduced a new weapon into the Gaza war, amid ongoing battles since October 7, resulting in an estimated 22,300 fatalities and over 57,200 injuries by the 90th day. This weapon is the Chinese-made M99 rifle, the second firearm revealed by Hamas during "Al-Aqsa Flood," following earlier announcements about the "Al-Ghoul" rifle, which was previously used in the "Protective Edge" operation in 2014.
The new weapon has stirred significant debate in Israel after a soldier was shot in Sheikh Ajlin, raising questions about how it reached Gaza from China, according to media reports.
**What Is the Chinese M99 Rifle?**
Channel 12 reported that the Israeli army has seized Chinese weapons in Gaza that are used by the al-Qassam Brigades at a remarkable level. Military reports indicate that the new rifle has been developed at the request of the Chinese army, designed to penetrate armor with heavy ammunition of 12.7×108 mm caliber. Its specifications include:
- Weight: 12 kilograms
- Length: 1.5 meters
- Effective range: over 1500 meters
- Muzzle velocity: 800 meters per second
- Entered service in 2005
- Magazine capacity: 5 rounds, semi-automatic feed
- Made of lightweight polymer components
- Equipped with a top rail to mount various types of scopes
**What Are Its Key Features and Capabilities?**
The M99 can eliminate a target at a distance of 1600 meters within two seconds, which is before the sound of the shot reaches the target location in 2.7 seconds, according to Gun Wiki. Its key features include:
- Ability to penetrate armored vehicles
- Capability to fire from long distances
- Maximum effective range of 1524 meters
- Projectile speed of 800 meters per second, double the speed of sound
- Strong recoil dampening system for additional protection for the shooter
- Ability to be fitted with telescopes, night vision scopes, and variable magnification lenses (ranging from 10x to 12x or 22x)
- Adjustable supports, including a double front and a single rear support
The last known usage of this rifle was during military operations targeting an Israeli ground force in an ambush inside a building in the Al-Tufah neighborhood.
Simultaneously, as al-Qassam talked about this weapon, Channel 12 reported that the army seized large amounts of Chinese weapons in Gaza, questioning how these arms reached the area from China. Additional evidence of Hamas's possession of the weapon was posted by the "China in Arabic" account on X, showing a photo of a Palestinian fighter holding an M99 rifle, highlighting that it may have been re-exported through Iran.
However, according to analyst and expert Karis Witt, while Chinese weapons may have arrived in the hands of Hamas, they were not purchased directly from Beijing. He noted that:
- China does not sell weapons to non-government entities but does sell arms to countries in the Middle East.
- The presence of this weapon in Gaza likely stems from independent Chinese entities selling weapons illegally to Palestinian factions.
- It is not impossible for these weapons to fall into the wrong hands.
- Israel should verify these matters with official Chinese authorities.
**Major Conflicts Featuring the M99**
The M99, capable of delivering fatal and direct hits when used with its dedicated ammunition or expertly crafted locally made ammo, has appeared in several armed conflicts around the world, notably:
- The wars in Syria and Iraq
- In Pakistan, where the Pakistani army praised it upon its release in 2006
- It has been observed at least three times in the hands of al-Qassam Brigades during "Al-Aqsa Flood."
