Israel Gaza FAQ: The Civilians

Were human rights abused in the operation? And if so, by whom?

This FAQ section discusses human rights obligations in an armed conflict and the precautions both sides are obliged to by law. We show that the IDF took substantial precautions to minimize harm to civilians in Gaza and made extensive efforts to get humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians.

We also show the many ways in which Hamas brazenly disregarded international human rights laws, abused its own civilians and civilian localities and repeatedly committed war crimes against its own population as well as Israeli citizens.

• What are the obligations of the parties to an armed conflict regarding their own civilians?

• What precautions did the Israel take to minimize harm to civilians?

• Did Hamas meet its obligation to minimize the harm it might cause to its own civilians?

• So it was Hamas that committed war crimes?

• How did Hamas abuse its own civilian sites as cover for its rocket attacks against Israel?

• What other war crimes did Hamas commit against its own civilians?

• How did Hamas protect itself at the expense of its own population?

• How did Hamas exploit Gaza's children?

• What humanitarian aid did Israel provide to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, and how was it provided?

• What did Hamas do in the area of humanitarian relief?

Operation Cast Lead against Hamas - FAQ Topics