Israel’s military doctrine has undergone a significant shift in its approach to civilian casualties during the ongoing Gaza conflict, which has killed over 45,000 Palestinians. A former Israeli air force pilot revealed that the country’s standards and tactics for limiting “civilian harm” have been replaced with mass evacuation orders, leading to widespread devastation.
International humanitarian law dictates that armed forces must evaluate use of force in places inhabited by civilians through the concept of proportionality. However, Israel has been accused of disregarding this principle, particularly in its targeting of low-level Hamas members in their homes, where buildings often collapsed.
Experts argue that the Israeli military’s failure to uphold standards of civilian protection is not a one-time mistake but a systemic issue. Robert Goldman, an expert in international humanitarian law, states that Israel has treated civilians as “voluntary human shields” and failed to take necessary precautions to minimize harm during attacks.
The Geneva Conventions, which Israel is signatory to, prohibits attacks on the enemy that may be expected to cause incidental loss of civilian life or injury. However, proving war crimes can be challenging, as prosecutors must demonstrate a clear disregard for civilian life or intentional murder.
A former pilot’s account of a particularly disturbing strike in Beit Lahia suggests that mistakes like this may have been more common after October 7, when the targeting process was sped up and tactics changed. The pilot believes that Israel’s approach to air support has become less nuanced, leading to a rise in civilian deaths.
The Gaza conflict has highlighted the complex issues surrounding civilian casualties in modern warfare. As experts and policymakers grapple with these challenges, it is essential to prioritize the protection of civilians while upholding international humanitarian law.
Source: https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2024/12/18/how-israel-moved-its-own-goalposts-on-civilian-deaths-in-gaza-bombings