Israel’s rules of engagement under scrutiny: IDF accused of indiscriminately killing civilians in Gaza
By willowt // 2025-01-06
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  • Following Hamas’ October 7 attack, the IDF reportedly relaxed its rules of engagement, allowing mid-ranking officers to authorize airstrikes with higher civilian casualty thresholds, including strikes likely to kill over 100 civilians.
  • The IDF employed unguided 2,000-pound bombs in densely populated Gaza, targeting low-level Hamas operatives in residential areas, contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis.
  • Reports from Haaretz describe a “kill zone” in Gaza’s Netzarim Corridor, where soldiers allegedly shot civilians, including children, and misclassified civilian casualties as combatants.
  • The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza, while the Biden administration faces criticism for its unwavering support despite evidence of human rights abuses.
  • The conflict’s devastating human toll underscores the necessity for accountability, protection of civilians, and a sustainable resolution to end cycles of violence.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has drawn global attention, not only for its geopolitical implications but also for the devastating human toll it has exacted on civilians in Gaza. Recent reports from credible sources, including The New York Times and Haaretz, have raised alarming questions about the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) rules of engagement and their impact on civilian lives. For those committed to human rights, these revelations are deeply troubling and worthy of urgent examination. According to The New York Times, the IDF significantly loosened its rules of engagement in the aftermath of Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel. The report alleges that mid-ranking officers were authorized to conduct airstrikes even when they anticipated high civilian casualties. Whereas the IDF previously tolerated between five and ten civilian deaths per enemy operative killed, this threshold was reportedly raised to 20. In some cases, strikes were authorized despite the likelihood of over 100 civilian casualties. This shift in policy reportedly allowed the IDF to target low-level Hamas operatives in their homes, surrounded by family and neighbors, rather than isolating them in less populated areas. The use of unguided 2,000-pound bombs in densely populated areas further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. Within the first seven weeks of the conflict, the IDF fired approximately 30,000 munitions – more than in the subsequent eight months combined. The IDF has defended its actions, stating that its methods adhere to international law. However, the staggering death toll in Gaza – nearly 45,400, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry – suggests otherwise. The majority of those killed have been women and children, a fact that underscores the disproportionate impact of this conflict on innocent civilians. Adding to these concerns, Haaretz has published harrowing accounts from Israeli soldiers and officers who describe a “kill zone” in the Netzarim Corridor, a buffer area dividing Gaza into north and south. Soldiers allegedly received orders to shoot any Palestinian entering the zone, including children. Bodies were left uncollected, attracting packs of dogs, and civilian casualties were routinely classified as terrorists. One officer described a macabre competition between units to rack up higher body counts. These allegations, if true, represent a grave violation of human rights and international humanitarian law. The deliberate targeting of civilians, the use of excessive force, and the systemic misclassification of casualties as combatants are practices that cannot be justified under any circumstances.

The time for unconditional support has passed

The Biden administration’s unwavering support for Israel, despite mounting evidence of human rights abuses, is equally concerning. While Israel has a right to defend itself against terrorist threats, this right does not absolve it of its obligations to protect civilian lives. The United States, as a global leader and staunch advocate for human rights, must hold its allies accountable and ensure that military operations are conducted in a manner consistent with international law. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has already taken steps to address these concerns, ordering Israel to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza and improve the humanitarian situation. South Africa’s case against Israel at the ICJ highlights the gravity of the allegations and the need for a thorough, impartial investigation. As conservatives, we must not shy away from confronting these issues. Human rights are universal, and their protection is a moral imperative that transcends political affiliations. These reports demand a rigorous examination of Israel’s military practices and a renewed commitment to upholding the principles of justice and accountability. The cost of this conflict has been immeasurable, not only in terms of lives lost but also in the erosion of trust and the perpetuation of cycles of violence. It is time for all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilians, pursue meaningful dialogue, and work toward a sustainable resolution that respects the dignity and rights of all people. In the face of such profound suffering, silence is not an option. We must speak out, demand accountability, and reaffirm our commitment to the values that define us as a society. The lives of countless innocent civilians depend on it. Sources include: RT.com MSNBC.com
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