Israeli Soldiers Speak Out on Gaza Civilian Killings

Israeli soldiers have come forward in a new documentary, Breaking Ranks: Inside Israel's War, revealing alarming practices during military operations in Gaza. The soldiers describe a chaotic environment where legal norms have disintegrated, allowing civilians to be killed at the whim of individual officers.

Daniel, a tank unit commander, states, 'If you want to shoot without restraint, you can.' Capt Yotam Vilk, an armoured corps officer, emphasizes the breakdown of the IDF's official code of conduct concerning civilians, stating, 'There's no such thing as means, intent, and ability in Gaza.' Another soldier, Eli, reflects on how the criteria for determining enemies have become arbitrary, driven by the conscience of commanders rather than established military procedures.

He recounts instances of unprovoked fire on civilians attempting to reach food distribution sites, a practice that has led to tragic consequences. The report also highlights the IDF's use of human shields, contradicting official denials.

Soldiers described a tactic known as the 'mosquito protocol,' where civilians are used to gather intelligence. The documentary features testimonies of soldiers witnessing the killing of unarmed civilians, with one contractor named Sam recalling a shocking incident at a food distribution site where IDF soldiers shot at two young men.

The UN has reported that at least 944 Palestinian civilians have been killed while seeking aid. The IDF maintains that it operates within international law and investigates allegations of misconduct, although internal investigations have resulted in little accountability.

The documentary further explores the psychological toll on soldiers, with Daniel expressing feelings of shame over their actions. This revelation brings to the forefront critical questions regarding military ethics and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, significantly impacting regional stability and international relations.