Israeli veterans of 'Operation Protective Edge' confirm Gaza war crimes

Israeli soldiers who took part in last year’s unprecedented assault on Gaza have confirmed that numerous war crimes were committed, including through indiscriminate fire and rules of engagement that breach the laws of armed conflict.

The anonymous testimonies by more than 60 soldiers, published by the Israeli NGO ‘Breaking the Silence’, detail how “massive and unprecedented harm” was inflicted upon Palestinians in Gaza during the Israeli army’s ‘Operation Protective Edge’.

According to the combatants, ground troops were briefed to consider everything inside the Gaza Strip a “threat”, with some soldiers instructed to shoot anyone looking at their positions.

Israeli forces were told to “not spare ammo”, while differing safety margins were applied for artillery and mortar fire near Palestinian civilians on the one hand, and Israeli troops on the other.

Testimonies were provided by regular soldiers directly involved in the assault, as well as by those who served in command centres, including officers up to the rank of major.

Overall, the report paints a picture of an extremely law open-fire policy and systematic destruction, and adds to the growing body of evidence of Israel’s grave violations of international law in Gaza, including war crimes.

The full report can be read here.