50 Days: More than 500 Children: Facts and figures on fatalities in Gaza, Summer 2014

[Little Tich]

2. Some Hamas militants were under 18, which is contrary to international law.

Wrongs were committed by both sides, but the most serious accusation is that Israel was in breach of international humanitarian law by targeting civilians.

Black Flag: The legal and moral implications of the policy of attacking residential buildings in the Gaza Strip, summer 2014
Source: B'tselem, Jan. 2015
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Given this reality, the issue at hand is what conclusions policymakers may draw from it. The prime minister’s statements indicate he believes that Hamas and the military share the responsibility to take precautions. Yet this interpretation is designed to block, a priori, any allegations that Israel breached IHL provisions. Accepting it would mean that there are no restrictions whatsoever on Israeli action and that whatever method it chooses to respond to Hamas operations is legitimate, no matter how horrifying the consequences. This interpretation is unreasonable, unlawful, and renders meaningless the principle that IHL violations committed by one party do not release the other party from its obligations toward the civilian population and civilian objects.

Read more: http://www.btselem.org/publications/summaries/201501_black_flag