Hamas’ Use of Civilians as Human Shields
SPECIAL FOR THE AJT
1. Hamas spokesman, Sami Abu Zuhri was interviewed on 8 July, and called on the Palestinian people to use the human shield tactic to defend their homes: “We in the Hamas movement call on our people to adopt this procedure” (Source: Memri and Channel 10):
In the video the interviewer can be heard asking a question which takes for granted the use of the human shield tactic. Abu-Zuhri embraces this method, saying it had already proved itself and calling on the Palestinian people to use it again.
2. Hamas’ ministry of the interior in Gaza issued on 10 July an official announcement to the residents of the Gaza Strip, telling them not to pay attention to IDF announcements about vacating their homes. The announcement calls “on our dear residents to reject these messages, not to vacate their homes and to conduct themselves calmly. Should the need arise, call the following toll free numbers” (Source: Facebook page of the ministry of the interior in the Gaza Strip, July 10, 2014):
3. A similar announcement was issued by the Hamas authorities in Gaza on 16 July. Link to relevant article
4. Hamas spokesman Mushir al-Masri called on 16 July to the residents of Gaza not to leave their houses and ignore the IDF’s warnings. View clip
5. UNRWA, the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency, officially admitted that on 16 July it had found some 20 missiles hidden in one of its schools in Gaza. Read full press release
6. In a piece in Canadian “The Globe and Mail” published on 16 July, the newspaper’s correspondent in Gaza Patrick Martin gives an eye-witness report about missiles being fired next to a school: “”Heading toward the exit, we were overwhelmed by the jet-like sound of two rockets being launched from somewhere near the school. Hamas, or some or militant group, clearly is hoping the Israelis won’t strike at the launchers, which are kept underground until the moment of firing, because they’re close to the school and so many refugees.” Read full article
7. A cartoon produced by Hamas calls on Palestinian civilians to form human shields against Israeli attacks. The cartoon depicts how a large group of civilians standing on the roofs of houses creates a metaphorical shield against incoming bombs, and praises the “steadfast people.” Cartoons are an important medium for influencing public opinion in Palestinian society:
8. A Hamas propaganda video raving about the intended use of the Palestinian youngsters to throw hand grenades. View clip
9. IDF Videos:
(1) Hamas’ use of civilians as human shields- compilation of many elements. View clip
(2) Gaza terrorists use civilian ambulances for cover: this clip shows how the IDF called off an attack after the target entered an ambulance. View the clip
(3) Hamas takes advantage of the fact that the the IDF avoids attacking targets where it is know there are civilians. View clip of aborted mission
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