Testimonies of Israeli soldiers: Gaza War Crimes

[Usman_08]

Well for those who still doubt it, here is evidence of how Israel not only allowed War Crimes to be carried out by its soldiers in Gaza but actually condoned them. Why are there double standards when it comes to Israel ? Is this not terrorism ?

During the conflict: 1,417 Palestinians were killed. More than 400,000 Gazans were left without running water, 4000 homes were destroyed or badly damaged Tens of thousands of people were left homeless, and 80 government buildings were hit. Here are the testimonies from annonymous Israeli soldiers.

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
Several testimonies describe rules of engagement which were either unclear, or encouraged soldiers to prioritise protecting their own lives over determining whether a person in the vicinity was a civilian.

Testimony 51: "We were told soldiers were to be secured by fire-power. The soldiers were made to understand that their lives were the most important, and that there was no way our soldiers would get killed for the sake of leaving civilians the benefit of the doubt? People were not instructed to shoot at everyone they see but they were told that from a certain distance when they approach a house, no matter who it is - even an old woman - take them down."

Israeli view: The Israeli military has said repeatedly that it goes to great lengths, even risking the success of operations - for example by giving warnings prior to strikes or aborting air strikes at the last moment - to distinguish between civilians and combatants. A spokeswoman said she knew of no military in the world that would reveal its rules of engagement, but said 75% of those killed in the Gaza operation were Hamas.

Palestinian view: The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights says nearly two-thirds of the dead were non-combatants.

Some accounts suggest soldiers were led to view anyone talking on a mobile phone, present on a roof, or moving at night, as a target.

Testimony 49: "Among other things, he strictly forbade us to climb up to roofs. He explained in fact that the air force has the 'go ahead' to fire at anyone seen on a roof."

Testimony 41: "You can't identify too much at night and anything that moves you engage in order not to take risks. It was not defined this way officially, but it was obvious. Any movement on the ground at night was doomed."

Testimonies 13 and 14: These describe an incident where an old man carrying a torch at night, walking towards an Israeli-held building, approached from about 150 metres - and was allowed to approach to 25 metres with no deterrent fire, before he was shot dead.

Testimony 14: "Everyone is shooting and shooting and the guy's screaming. The commander comes downstairs, glowing. 'Here's an opener for tonight'. He was asked why he wouldn't confirm deterrent fire. He said, "It's night time and this is a terrorist."

Israel's position: See above.


HUMAN SHIELDS
Some testimonies described the use of Palestinian civilians as human shields, for example by making neighbours enter suspect houses ahead of troops. The use of human shields is prohibited under article 51.7 of the Geneva Conventions.

Testimony 1 [a soldier describing what he had heard from a commander]: "To every house we close in on, we send the neighbour in, 'the Johnnie'? Sometimes the force would enter while placing rifle barrels on a civilian's shoulder, advancing into a house and using him as a human shield. Commanders said these were the instructions and we had to do it?"

Israeli position: The military says it does not use human shields from the Palestinian population and will investigate any specific evidence of such incidents.


BUILDING DEMOLITIONS
Many of the testimonies say large swathes of buildings were demolished because of concerns that they may be booby trapped, contain weapons or conceal tunnels. Some soldiers raise concerns about the scale of the destruction:

Testimony 2: "Part of the concept of razing was what the Israeli army calls 'the day after' consideration. Obviously this campaign would end at some point? The question was in what condition we'd leave the area, whether more exposed, a state that would afford us better firing and observation conditions, and far greater control. This was the principle behind all that razing - namely razing for our benefit.

Testimony 52: "Most of the destruction that went on there was not necessary."

Israeli position: The military has said it only damaged buildings if they were being used by Hamas, or because there was a specific military need to do so.


AGGRESSIVE ATTITUDE
A number of the testimonies alleged that some soldiers were eager to kill, or even took pleasure in doing so.

Testimony 43 : "One guy said he just couldn't finish this operation without killing someone? [describes the shooting of a man "apparently some sort of lookout"] ? I can definitely say he was not armed. I can definitely say the soldier regarded this as some children's game and was delighted and laughing after this. I think that a normal person, even having killed an armed terrorist, would not be amused."

Testimony 50: "The atmosphere was not one of fear but rather people too eager to shoot other people."

Israeli position: The Israeli military says it has strict practices of conduct and soldiers are disciplined for abuses.

VANDALISM OF PALESTINIAN PROPERTY

Several testimonies report the destruction of Palestinian property - often within homes that the Israeli soldiers had taken over. Many photographs of offensive graffiti on Palestinian walls were published in the wake of the conflict. Some soldiers said water tanks were targeted, despite the fact that many Palestinians were without running water.

Testimony 39: "The guys would simply break stuff. Some were out to destroy and trash the whole time. They drew a disgusting drawing on the wall. They threw out sofas. They took down a picture from the wall just to shatter it."

Testimony 52:
Q: Was there boredom at any point during these two weeks?
A: Much boredom.
Q: So what does one do to relieve this boredom?
A: I told you, fire at water tanks, I don't know, out of boredom. When there's nothing else to shoot at, you fire at water tanks."

Israeli position: The military says its troops are not permitted to vandalise Palestinian property and some such cases are among the current investigations. There have also been accounts of Israeli troops exercising care in Palestinian homes - even being told to fold up blankets they had used as they left.


WHITE PHOSPHORUS
White phosphorus causes very severe burns. Amnesty International says it is inherently indiscriminate and its use in urban areas was a war crime.

Testimony 8:
Q: Why fire phosphorus?
A: Because it's fun. Cool? I don't know what it's used for? I don't understand what it's even doing in our supplies if we're not supposed to use such ammo. It's ridiculous.

Testimony 11: "There was an area of about 200-300 square meters of glazed sand.... We understood this resulted from white phosphorus, and it was upsetting? in training you learn that white phosphorus is not used, and you're taught that it's not humane. You watch films and see what it does to people who are hit, and you say, 'There, we're doing it too.' That's not what I expected to see. Until that moment I had thought I belonged to the most humane army in the world."

Israeli position: The Israeli military initially denied white phosphorous was used. It later admitted it had been, but said it had not breached international law, saying the use of shells using the chemical as a smokescreen rather than an incendiary weapon was lawful.


RELIGIOUS RHETORIC
A number of soldiers said they were uncomfortable with the use of religious rhetoric by rabbis given access to troops during the operation.

Testimony 15 [describing a talk by a military rabbi]: "Lots of pathos, the kind of religious discourse I'm a bit familiar with: war of choice, holy war - differing rules. He spoke less in religious terminology? and was much more into militant faith. He aimed at inspiring the men with courage, cruelty, aggressiveness, expressions such as 'no pity, God protects you, everything you do is sanctified'. The gist of these statements was perhaps to bring things into agreement with religion, with God and whoever this man was supposed to represent, that everything or nearly everything is permissible. "

Israeli position: An Israeli army spokeswoman said the military rabbinate unit exists to give religious Jewish soldiers advice on issues such as kosher food and Jewish holidays. She said there were a "few isolated incidents" during the Cast Leader operation, during which rabbis from the unit distributed flyers [these contained similar messages to those described]. "They do not represent the IDF spirit," the spokeswoman said, adding that the rabbis in question were "disciplined".

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/mid...st/8151611.stm

[Blindead]

No matter how much of this comes out, people will still just stick their fingers in their ears and go Lalalalalala.

[Usman_08]

Originally Posted by Blindead

No matter how much of this comes out, people will still just stick their fingers in their ears and go Lalalalalala.

I agree but these even these people cannot refute the testimonies of their own soldiers. inside they know what happned was wrong, even if they do not admit it. I just can't understand why the majority of Americans are so biased towards Israel though, from a neutral prespective i would say that Israel is more hassle for the USA than a benefit.

[asiya-sparkles]

Isn't that denial really, its easier to say you stand for a fair ideaology than one that causes terrorism in many senses? Its quite disgusting to have to deal with a concept that you may support a machine that has no compulsion or conscience in regard to taking innocent life? Horror.

[lobo9667]

in the long run nothing will happen


the UN has already made an attempt to highlight human rights violations by Israel which has rejected any idea that there was any.

Which means everything will be swept under the carpet and forgotten eventually, no action will be taken against israel or any israeli

[Usman_08]

Originally Posted by lobo9667

in the long run nothing will happen


the UN has already made an attempt to highlight human rights violations by Israel which has rejected any idea that there was any.

Which means everything will be swept under the carpet and forgotten eventually, no action will be taken against israel or any israeli

True, which raises the question as to what purpose the UN actually serves ? I mean it is used to bring up concerns when it suits American interests etc. but otherwise, nothing. And again, such behaviour by other countries would result in international uproar but Israel seems to be above the law.

[StarScream_F22]

Originally Posted by Usman_08

True, which raises the question as to what purpose the UN actually serves ? I mean it is used to bring up concerns when it suits American interests etc. but otherwise, nothing. And again, such behaviour by other countries would result in international uproar but Israel seems to be above the law.

You'd realise why the UN was created, why Israel can do whatever it wants once you look past the NWO = Hulk Hogan and buddies from wrestling. Until then please keep pondering why why why...

[Usman_08]

Originally Posted by StarScream_F22

You'd realise why the UN was created, why Israel can do whatever it wants once you look past the NWO = Hulk Hogan and buddies from wrestling. Until then please keep pondering why why why...

lol was a rhetorical question but thank you for your input

[George Carlinian]

Originally Posted by lobo9667

Which means everything will be swept under the carpet and forgotten eventually, no action will be taken against israel or any israeli

Of course not! They're Gods Chosen People!!!

/sarcasm


U.S. support for Israel is more than just a shameful show of racism, religious bias, and the power of lobbyists...it can be argued that it's even a crime.


I wish we could deport Israel supporters from my country. I'm tired of our destructive blind support for ethnic cleansing.

[balls2wall]

All those testimony's are as creditable as the ones I can make up now, no names, no brigade, worth nothing.

The Facts:

http://www.mfa.gov.il/NR/rdonlyres/E...aOperation.pdf

[George Carlinian]

Originally Posted by balls2wall

All those testimony's are as creditable as the ones I can make up now, no names, no brigade, worth nothing.

The Facts:

http://www.mfa.gov.il/NR/rdonlyres/E...aOperation.pdf

Why go to a news source that has an international reputation to uphold when you can go to the defendants instead?

[JustAnotherUser]

and I wonder why the people of the Middle East hate us? Guess we just have to keep on funding what they see as terrorism and then kill them for retaliating, right?

[Blindead]

Originally Posted by Usman_08

True, which raises the question as to what purpose the UN actually serves ? I mean it is used to bring up concerns when it suits American interests etc. but otherwise, nothing. And again, such behaviour by other countries would result in international uproar but Israel seems to be above the law.

The U.N. is actually quite critical of Israel and always has been. They just really dont have much power llulololo. The U.S. vetoes everything they try to do against Israel. We have vetoed more U.N. resolutions critical of Isreal than all the other veto-holding countries combined have done on EVERYTHING.

[Usman_08]

Originally Posted by Blindead

The U.N. is actually quite critical of Israel and always has been. They just really dont have much power llulololo. The U.S. vetoes everything they try to do against Israel. We have vetoed more U.N. resolutions critical of Isreal than all the other veto-holding countries combined have done on EVERYTHING.

I guess so, but to be honest being critical of a regime is not much of a detterent. real action needs to be taken against Israel and its clear that we can't rely on America to do anything. No wonder people take the law into their own hands when it comes to Israel. How can you blame them ?

[BJplayer]

Originally Posted by Usman_08

I agree but these even these people cannot refute the testimonies of their own soldiers. inside they know what happned was wrong, even if they do not admit it. I just can't understand why the majority of Americans are so biased towards Israel though, from a neutral prespective i would say that Israel is more hassle for the USA than a benefit.

Why are all Muslims on the side of the Palestinians, even when the Palestinians are conducting terrorist bombings?

[Usman_08]

Originally Posted by BJplayer

Why are all Muslims on the side of the Palestinians, even when the Palestinians are conducting terrorist bombings?

Read the OP and tell me that this is not state organised terrorism. Israel was built on the displacement of Palestinian Muslims. They were made into refugees and are now abused. Where is the outcry ?

[BJplayer]

Originally Posted by Usman_08

Read the OP and tell me that this is not state organised terrorism. Israel was built on the displacement of Palestinian Muslims. They were made into refugees and are now abused. Where is the outcry ?

Where is your outcry when Muslims conduct yet another terrorist act around the globe that kills countless innocent people? Quite frankly, I dont care about Israel or Palestinians. But I saw the Palestinians cheering in the streets on 9/11. That killed any sympathy I might ever have for their cause. Now answer my question, why do all Muslims care anything about the Palestinians? You arent from there and its none of your business, but we are inundated with threads about their mistreatment at the hands of the evil zionist pigs. Its pretty obvious that you see them as Muslim brothers so you side with them and against the evil Joos. The open bigotry of Islam towards non-Muslims, homosexuals, apostates, and especially Joos, hurts your arguement that others are being bigoted against Muslims.

[Usman_08]

Originally Posted by BJplayer

Where is your outcry when Muslims conduct yet another terrorist act around the globe that kills countless innocent people? Quite frankly, I dont care about Israel or Palestinians. But I saw the Palestinians cheering in the streets on 9/11. That killed any sympathy I might ever have for their cause. Now answer my question, why do all Muslims care anything about the Palestinians? You arent from there and its none of your business, but we are inundated with threads about their mistreatment at the hands of the evil zionist pigs. Its pretty obvious that you see them as Muslim brothers so you side with them and against the evil Joos. The open bigotry of Islam towards non-Muslims, homosexuals, apostates, and especially Joos, hurts your arguement that others are being bigoted against Muslims.

When have i ever supported the killing of innocent people ? Never. Muslims who kill innocents in the name of God should be punished.

The Palestinain footage was a FAKE. I have told you this before and you don't listen. Itw as later revealed on the BBC that they were actually cheering about the Israeli withdrawal from Haifa some years earlier.

You are the bigot here

[JustAnotherUser]

Originally Posted by BJplayer

Where is your outcry when Muslims conduct yet another terrorist act around the globe that kills countless innocent people? Quite frankly, I dont care about Israel or Palestinians. But I saw the Palestinians cheering in the streets on 9/11. That killed any sympathy I might ever have for their cause. Now answer my question, why do all Muslims care anything about the Palestinians? You arent from there and its none of your business, but we are inundated with threads about their mistreatment at the hands of the evil zionist pigs. Its pretty obvious that you see them as Muslim brothers so you side with them and against the evil Joos. The open bigotry of Islam towards non-Muslims, homosexuals, apostates, and especially Joos, hurts your arguement that others are being bigoted against Muslims.

Maybe the terrorists hate the US because the US intentionally destabilizes their countries. It's not as simple as "omg muslims hate america". Muslims hate America because the US attempts to destabilize their countries to create economic dependency.

[BJplayer]

Originally Posted by Usman_08

When have i ever supported the killing of innocent people ? Never. Muslims who kill innocents in the name of God should be punished.

The Palestinain footage was a FAKE. I have told you this before and you don't listen. Itw as later revealed on the BBC that they were actually cheering about the Israeli withdrawal from Haifa some years earlier.

You are the bigot here

You are either stupid or lying. And I have posted the snopes.com entry showing that it absolutely was NOT a fake numerous times but you refuse to believe the truth because it shows Pals in a bad light! Do you want me to snopes it again? I will be happy to do so. You simply refuse to believe anything bad about your Muslim brothers or Islam itself. Thats why you cant see executing homosexuals and apostates as a bad and bigoted act. But since I object to bigotry in your religion, I am "the bigot here"? Strong Irony.

edit: Here is the snopes link AGAIN:
http://www.snopes.com/rumors/cnn.asp

[BJplayer]

My take on the whole Israeli/Palestinian issue is that I REALLY dont care. I dont think we should support either side. As a matter of fact, its none of our business. We should immediately stop giving aid to both Israel and the Palestinians. This region is of no concern to the USA and I couldnt care less about who has the rightful claim to that land. What I cant understand is why all Muslim support the Palestinians simply because they are also Muslims. Seems really bigoted to me. Why do Muslims care about that situation enough to post daily about it or blow innocent people? Its none of your business either unless you are from there.

[George Carlinian]

Originally Posted by BJplayer

My take on the whole Israeli/Palestinian issue is that I REALLY dont care. I dont think we should support either side. As a matter of fact, its none of our business. We should immediately stop giving aid to both Israel and the Palestinians. This region is of no concern to the USA and I couldnt care less about who has the rightful claim to that land. What I cant understand is why all Muslim support the Palestinians simply because they are also Muslims. Seems really bigoted to me. Why do Muslims care about that situation enough to post daily about it or blow innocent people? Its none of your business either unless you are from there.

Well said. FYI, it's NOT a religious issue. Muslim groups use that conflict to distract from their own corruption, especially on a government scale. But in one sense, it makes sense, that they care about their neighbors, and that they don't want European Imperialism in their back yard.

[d3v]

Israel is a creation of Rothschild dynasty and is ultimately controlled by the pope in Rome. Do your research and you'll soon stop, as the poster above puts it "wondering why why why".

It's all part of a coldly calculated global agenda of control.

[BJplayer]

Originally Posted by George Carlinian

Well said. FYI, it's NOT a religious issue. Muslim groups use that conflict to distract from their own corruption, especially on a government scale. But in one sense, it makes sense, that they care about their neighbors, and that they don't want European Imperialism in their back yard.

But even Muslims HERE take up the Palestinian cause as if it directly affects them, while many of them couldnt even find Israel on the map. Why is that, other than they will always side with their muslim brothers against the "infidels". Islam appears bigoted in favor of all things Muslim and against all things non-muslim, homosexuals, women, apostates, and especially Jews and the west.

[US_Ranger]

Originally Posted by BJplayer

My take on the whole Israeli/Palestinian issue is that I REALLY dont care. I dont think we should support either side. As a matter of fact, its none of our business. We should immediately stop giving aid to both Israel and the Palestinians. This region is of no concern to the USA and I couldnt care less about who has the rightful claim to that land. What I cant understand is why all Muslim support the Palestinians simply because they are also Muslims. Seems really bigoted to me. Why do Muslims care about that situation enough to post daily about it or blow innocent people? Its none of your business either unless you are from there.

I completely agree with this. I don't give a **** about either side honestly but seeing the postings from a lot of Muslims here about the constant persecution of the Palestinians almost makes me want to vomit. I actually think some of them believe that it's because they care about innocent people half way around the world and that really blows me away. If they came right out and said they only support the Palestinians because A) they're Muslim and B) They hate Isreal and will support anyone who stands against Israel....then I might actually respect their position more because at least they are being honest.

[George Carlinian]

Many Palestinians are Christian FYI.

Also, its STILL their backyard, and most Israelis are Europeans/Americans (many who keep their dual citizenship status so they can vote and contribute $ to their Israeli agenda).

The Israeli/Palestinian conflict is as religious as any previous 'religious' conflict...0%. It's about land and power, as always, and religion is just a pretext for the naive.

[George Carlinian]

Why do we still have hostilities towards Cuba in the US?

[ZionNYC]

Israel is a creation of Rothschild dynasty and is ultimately controlled by the pope in Rome. Do your research and you'll soon stop, as the poster above puts it "wondering why why why".

It's all part of a coldly calculated global agenda of control.

Conspiracy.

And to the OP, Jews will make some excuse and point to the Palestinian terrorists, just like Muslims will make some excuse about how Islam kills thousands of people each year and point their finger on the Big Satan (America) and the Little Satan (Israel).

But what's the point of making excuses. Israel protected their national interests, and now Sderot is bomb-free. Yes, **** happens during war. War isn't a tea party, war is war, it's not supposed to be fun. There isn't supposed to be any excuses. Israel did what a true Nationalist country should do. Israel protected its national interest. Now you're talking about war crimes? Genocide is a war crime, there was no genocide here, just war. Only 1,100 people killed? Count your lucky stars. This wasn't even a war. It was a little brawl if compared to other wars in the world. Although I can't blame you for posting this since you're Arab.

[JustAnotherUser]

Originally Posted by George Carlinian

Why do we still have hostilities towards Cuba in the US?

Because they threaten our elite. They manage, with very little money, to have an extremely equal and healthy society. They have better health rates in many categories than the US, with a fraction of the budget. They threaten our notions on healthcare and the distribution of wealth.

And they're dirty dirty commies.

[ZionNYC]

Originally Posted by JustAnotherUser

Because they threaten our elite. They manage, with very little money, to have an extremely equal and healthy society. They have better health rates in many categories than the US, with a fraction of the budget. They threaten our notions on healthcare and the distribution of wealth.

And they're dirty dirty commies.

And over 80% of their population can't even afford bread but we cry when 8% of our population goes unemployed. Stop praising the Cubans. They can't afford anything because they spent all their money on military and healthcare.