Israeli soldiers are finally speaking out and telling us another story on the Gaza campaigns. Among the allegations:
…widespread abuses were committed against civilians under “permissive” rules of engagement
…they had been urged to fire on any building or person that seemed suspicious and said Palestinians were sometimes used as human shields.
“the massive and unprecedented blow to the infrastructure and civilians” was a result of Israeli military policy, articulated by the rules of engagement, and encouraged by a belief “the reality of war requires them to shoot and not to ask questions”
Civilians were used as human shields, entering buildings ahead of soldiers
Large swathes of homes and buildings were demolished as a precaution or to secure clear lines of fire for the future
Some of the troops had a generally aggressive, ill-disciplined attitude
There was incidents of vandalism of property of Palestinians
Soldiers fired at water tanks because they were bored, at a time of severe water shortages for Gazans
White phosphorus was used in civilian areas in a way some soldiers saw as gratuitous and reckless
Many of the soldiers said there had been very little direct engagement with Palestinian militants.
There’s always collateral damage in any armed conflict. There is also abuse of power and other illegal actions.
What is important is people come forward with the truth. These soldiers should be applauded for their bravery, both during the war and now.
