An Israeli media outlet reported that Israel Defense Forces are indiscriminately killing Palestinian civilians in the Gaza strip. Haaretz, Israel’s oldest newspaper known for its progressive stance and being at odds with the country’s right wing government, said commanders were given unprecedented authority to operate in the Netzarim Corridor, which lead to the killing of unarmed men, women and children.
Anonymous soldiers told Haaretz they’re coming forward to let people know “how the war really looks” after receiving questionable orders to open fire on “anyone who enters” Netzarim.
“We’re killing civilians there who are counted as terrorists,” a recently discharged officer said.
The unnamed officer also shared an incident when 200 militants were killed and only 10 were confirmed as known Hamas members.
Soldiers said they received “expanded powers,” allowing them to bomb buildings or launch air strikes that previously required approval from the army’s top staff.
IDF responds to Haaretz report
The Israeli army is pushing back on the accusations.
“All strikes in the area of Netzarim are conducted in accordance with the mandatory procedures and protocols, including targets that are struck in an urgent time frame due to essential operational circumstances where ground forces face immediate threats,” IDF told French news agency AFP.
It went on to say that any incidents that deviate IDF orders or ethical standards are thoroughly examined and addressed.
Hamas responds to Haaretz report
Hamas, whose attack on Israel in October 2023 ignited the current war, also reacted to the Haaretz report. It said that it shows evidence of war crimes and “full fledged ethnic cleansing operations.”
The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry said more than 45,000 people have died in Gaza since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.
