Israel 'taking steps' to reduce civilian casualties in future wars
An Israeli report submitted to the UN also says Israel has launched 47 criminal investigations into alleged misconduct by soldiers in the Gaza war.
By ReutersA new Israeli report on the 2008-2009 war in the Gaza Strip says that the Israel Defense Forces is taking steps to reduce the number of civilian casualties in future wars and will restrict the use of white phosphorous.
The 37-page report, which was posted on the Foreign Ministry's website, was delivered to the office of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday in compliance with a General Assembly resolution, UN officials said.
"The IDF has ... implemented operational changes in its orders and combat doctrine designed to further minimize civilian casualties and damage to civilian property in the future," the report said.
"In particular, the IDF has adopted important new procedures designed to enhance the protection of civilians in urban warfare, for instance by further emphasizing that the protection of civilians is an integral part of an IDF commander's mission," it said.
Among those measures will be the inclusion of a humanitarian affairs officer in each combat unit.
About 1,400 Palestinians, including hundreds of civilians, and 13 Israelis were killed in Israel's December 2008-January 2009 offensive in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip that was aimed at ending cross-border rocket fire from Palestinian militants.
A UN report by a team headed by South African jurist Richard Goldstone was issued in September and found that both the Israeli army and the militant Islamist group Hamas, which controls Gaza, were guilty of war crimes in the conflict but focused more on Israel.
Israel, which refused to cooperate with Goldstone, has condemned his report as distorted and biased and rejected the war crimes allegations. Hamas denied its fighters committed war crimes but has said it regrets Israeli civilian deaths
The report also said Israel has launched some 47 criminal investigations into alleged misconduct by its soldiers in the Gaza war, 11 more than in January.
A November 2009 resolution of the 192-nation General Assembly demanded that the Israelis and Palestinians credibly investigate allegations of war crimes during the conflict.
The Palestinian Authority's UN delegation also submitted a progress report to Ban's office, but it was not immediately available. The West Bank-based Palestinian Authority has no influence over Gaza and is unable to investigate Hamas.
Israel said in the report it was planning to impose restrictions on using white phosphorous weapons, smoke-screening munitions that can cause serious burns.
In response to criticism of its use of white phosphorous during the Gaza war, the IDF implemented mandatory buffer zones of several hundred meters and restricted use of it near sensitive sites. The report said the use of white phosphorous remains legal, though the IDF did conduct a review of its use.
"As a consequence, the IDF is in the process of establishing permanent restrictions on the use of munitions containing white phosphorus in urban areas," the report said.
The United Nations has yet to react to the Israeli report.
Israel is under pressure to accept another international investigation into a deadly May 31 raid on a flotilla of aid ships that attempted to break through the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza. The raid left nine Turkish pro-Palestinian protesters dead.
Israel has launched multiple investigations into the incident but Ban wants an independent probe that includes Turkish and Israeli participation..
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An IDF soldier during the Gaza war |
| Photo by: (Archive) |
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It is amazing how a nation that is built on annihilation of another nation still thinks!. I guess if Israel was a legitimate state, it should not think it is an achievement to kill less people in future wars, but to end any future war and save lives. This is why this nation should be forced to civility, remove racism from its dictionary, and start living in a world that is based and built on justice and not race and religion. God created this world for everyone, God did not choose anyone over anyone, we are all equal. Only Hitler, and now Israel are the ones who adapted such dangerous ideologies.
excuse me, I have to go vomit.
Oh man the IDF has got a really big image problem. Your soldiers are even deserting to the enemy. I think Israel has had it's growth. From now one they will shrink and dissappear from the map. Rogue states a very short lifetime. Think. israel is 60 years old and has these problems. Funny he?
I did not think it was possible, but the IDF which already is the most compassionate active army in the world, has just become more so.
You watch them commit crimes and applaud them. They watch you and your fellow settler thugs commit crimes and the idf looks on. Yep---a pair of thoughly moral entities. Gee I wonder why there are 200 plus UNSCR,S condemning the human rights abuses of these placid humanistic examples of saints. Go bac
Your comment was to Gazans and the so-called palestinians?
Nethanyahu is already planning new wars instead of talking "real" peace with the palestinians ?
...starting war after war instead of taking steps towards peace.
It's prove that Israel prepare them self for defensive wars.
1, There are no Palestinians. 2, A "land without people " for a people without land. 3,The Palestinians all left voluntarily. 4, God Gave it to us. 5, What 450 Arab Villages .(Did you take part and buy a tree---with which to revise the status of those 450 villages---hmmm). 6, Israel wants peace. You got a lot of chutzpah raising the subject of Revisionism.
Good summary, pure facts, a tragedy in 6 points. Congratulations.
Nice one from you! You practically take the words out of virtually everybody's mouth
Jews was the palestinian. From June 1967 arabs become Palestinians.
But I though Israel is INOCENT OF ALL ACCUSATIONS.
Cast Lead wasn't a war, it was a turkey shoot. The IDF went in to smash the place up; they met little resistance and acted with total disregard for civilian casualties, as they always have. The investigation of individual soldiers is deeply hypocritical; it is politicians and military commanders that should be investigated. See 'Breaking the Silence' for evidence from Israeli soldiers that they were acting under orders in recklessly endangering civilian lives.
"Cast Lead wasn't a war, it was a turkey shoot." Funny how those turkeys were launching 80 rockets a day into Israel for a week -- all the while receiving ample warning that there would be a large-scale response. Next time a turkey points a gun at you and starts to shoot, you'll restrain yourself, right putz?
According to Israeli sources there were 750 rockets from Gaza over the 21 days of the conflict; that's approximately 36 per day. Any estimate of IDF firepower over the same period will show a massively disproportionate response. However the most telling figures are those for casualties in Gaza: 1417 Palestinians vs 13 Israelis (some of these victims of friendly fire). That's not a war it's a massacre (or a turkey shoot if you prefer). There is documentary evidence showing that IDF policy is precisely to attack with overwhelmingly disproportionate force. In case you didn't know this policy is contrary to international law.
Hamas for year after year deliberately, repeatedly and callously targeted Qassams and mortar fire at population centers of Israeli townships and villages, but it "regrets Israeli civilian deaths"? Suicide bombers blowing up buses reception halls and pizza restaurants filled with children are considered heroic martyrs in Hamas parades,,,, but "Hamas .....regrets Israeli civilian deaths" ???? Right.
Reducing civilian casualties in war is a good thing, it is something that all states has agreed on in the Geneva declaration, but non has respected. That Israel now has admitted that this is an area of improvement is a first step, now others has to follow. Next step is to reduce casualties of war all together, that goes for Muslims, Jews and Christians if they want to live up to their religion.
burden on her army when fighting terror in urban areas while engendering her own solders in the process . As insane as Israel can get no other country in the whole world is able to top , or even demanded by UN to take similar steps protecting civilians . The civilian casualties in any other part of the world , where wars are conducted , can clearly attest to it .
"Israel taking steps to reduce civilian casualties"..... What like the Americans in Iraq & Afghanistan ?
The come back and explain why Israel is going to do the same.
are a specific result of US and Nato activities in Afganistan since 2001, indirect deaths being those who died of injuries later and not immediately during attacks. And this in a country that has not lauched so much as a firecracker at the US mainland, not to mention 8000 rockets and missiles at major cities. Do I sense a double standard here?
We didn't do it. We didn't. Didn't. D.I.D. N.O.T. And we've promised we won't do it again.....
stop making wars instead of reducing the casulties! what a logic
on civilians.How suddenly comes a such idea to Israeli leaders?but how will react the population is an important question they will lose the belief in IDF .
Otherwise shove it !
We didn't do it. We didn't. Didn't. D.I.D. N.O.T. And we've promised we won't do it again.....
Every dead civilian is one too much. Stop spreading wars, then there is no need to worry about civilian casualties.
... hope that the observant officials who accompanied the troops and egged them on to violent deeds, also had commensurate legal steps taken against them... they are even more culpable than the troops...
planning for "future wars" - the ultimate in horror. Is there no group of far-sighted citizens who can lobby for planning for peace? In small ways, cultural exchanges for example, between people totally and utterly fed up with political hypocrisy ?
How about Israel "taking steps" to end occupation in the palestinian territories, recognize an independant palestinian State and leave the palestinians in peace ??? Next move ?
After Oslo, we got a bunch of bus bombing killing hundreds and one big fat intifada.
Revisionists guide to the History of Middle East. All the best Antisemites have it on their coffee tables. In a couple of years you will find no account of 10,000 rockets...only a couple of "Firecrackers". that posed no threat whatsoever (if you live in Europe)
EXACTLY! Good to know that at last you agree.
The short post above was not complete. So dont get your kilt in a twist laddie---we do not agree.
I think it's better to show the IDF how the people look like after an attack, children without parents, parents holding their dead child in their arms. Burning bodies because of the use of fosfor and go on. The IDF has to learn also the Pals are also humans.
Should they learn not to launch terror campaigns and rocket barrages? Or are Israelis not human?
End occupation, leave palestinian territories, dismantle illegal settlements, recognize an independant palestinian, end multiple army / settlers agressions...lot of work to do !!!
Israel does not occupy any land that does belong to anybody else , that there was never ever a Palestinian state , that for 500 years , prior establishment of the Jewish state , it was Ottoman Empire , and the last but not least Sam should learn that even if Arabs get a country they will never be able to govern themselves as any other Arab country is a clear precedent , unless it is a Hamas style dictatorship or a big unruly chaos .
is a bit of oriental culture and history of the region. Any people on earth has the right to declare its independance and fight for it. Israel occupies that land. The whole world knows it. You and many others simply deny that right and even the sole existence of the palestinian people, hiding yourselves behind 2000 years of history that nobody cares about. You don't know much about palestinians nor arabs in general. You're just a hater. Ignorance and hatre are very close you know...stupidity is even closer.
All of Eretz Yisrael, from the Jordan to the Mediterranean, is slated for the Jewish State. Israel only allows these foreign Arabs to stay there because it would rather have peace than kick them out. Israel is doing them a favor by letting them stay.
slated by Yahweh, right? most of the planet doesn't give a crap about your Yahweh and your pretty little delusions about being chosen by this imaginary Daddy in The Sky
... sure Goldstone is proud too... he has a part in this...
.... start reacting, but watch carefully that you don't kill more of them than they killed our soldiers! For strict proportionality! Repair any windows or doors damaged.
... even when he's weaker and often civilian?...
You got a really fitting company. And you are their hero - like their Roza Luksemburg...
from various parts of world including al-qaida. So listen up american critics of Israel. They are training in Gaza - leaving via the tunnels & go US & Europe.
Ever hear of Najd, an Arab town captured by Jews in 1948, whose inhabitants fled to what is now the Gaza Strip, then settled by Jewish immigrants from Iran and Kurdish territories and renamed "Sderot?" How about al-Majdal, an Arab town recorded in 1596 as having 559 Muslim families and in 1931 as having 6,166 Muslim and 41 Christian inhabitants, captured by Jews in in 1948, replaced with the Jewish town of Ashkelon?
Does anyone else see the irony?
during the occupation of southern lebanon, the lebanese resistance imposed on israel a deal in which civilians were spared from military activities, it was called april's agreement, and it was the first step towards kicking the IDF out of lebanon.
but how bout not starting war at all and causing no casualties at all? Or is that a hard job. Israel will pay dearly next time, if, from Hizballah. And even more than before. Your iron dome won't stand in the face of tens of thousands of rockets
Exuse me ,Nasralla, but your little bitch friends hizbulla started that latest Lebanon war. Even Hizbulla admitted that they wouldn't have crossed the border to kidnap dead soldiers if they knew that Israel would re-act like that. Then Israel left Gaza, but your other little bitch boys Hamas decided to send a couple thousand rockets at civilian populations, which ofcourse started Cast Lead. So, I think you need to talk to Hizbulla and Hamas about not starting wars...Especially since they keep gettin their asses kicked.....that's what you're really mad about aren't you, Nasralla.
If they live in Gaza , they are all combatants !
or just a silly attention-seeker
In future when the IDF goes to war,they'll take a Nanny with them.
wet diapers and missed feedings make for cranky children.
what about future peace?
have agreed to peace with israel if it relinquishes the land it illegally seized. but then you couldn't have "greater israel," and that's what this is really all about
such kind sweet people those isrealis, reducing death....wow. you are the chosen ones, makes me wanna be you,,,,,,,NOT!
The IDF has enacted policies to BETTER COVER UP civilian casualties in future conflicts. Now read the entire article again under this correct context.
Why does there need to be future wars? Why is Israel always planning for another war? Why doesn't Israel spend its money and brilliant minds on planning for peace?
Brilliant minds that only have one recipe for everything are perhaps not as brilliant as they're made out to be. Aren't creativity and curiosity some of the other ingredients that go into brilliance?
don't forget about Iran. Feylynne where do you live in the USA?
That makes targetted killing an act of war. Collateral damages, who decides? What is the military advantage of that war? Nothing!!
That makes suicide bombing and rocke launching an act of war and a war crime. Collateral damages do not exist. Every Israeli Men, women and children are targeted.
That's you expect us to say? What a sick mind??
What a noble gesture! Shouldn't this be an inherent responsibility of any civilised army? Sounds like merely another PR stunt following increasing international condemnation levelled at the IDF. I'm not sure Gazan civilians will feel a lot safer despite the reassurance of the IDF!
Are you suggesting that the Left is not civilized?
Politics without principle, Wealth without work, Pleasure without conscience, Commerce without morality, Education without character, Science without humanity, Worship without sacrifice. Sounds like Gandhi a bit.
leave it Jasper to disparage Gandhi
Unlawful combatants or Human sheilds! How about ending war and land annexation instead.
Oh, well, that's an easy one to fix. Stop bombing Gaza! See, done.
Stop bombing Israel, and it won't bomb Gaza.
You should not belittle yourself like that, World Observer. You're probably right but you shouldn't post it in Haaretz.
What a privilege for the Palestinians.
It does not matter what we do and how many civilians will be killed unintentionally in the next war. The Arab terrorists (Hamas, Hezbo, etc.) will: 1. make every effort to embade themselves inside cvilian infrustructure and fire their missiles from civilian areas 2. will alway blame Israel for anything that happens 3. lie to to their hearts content about how many civilians actually died 3. will block ay true facts and independent investigatioin of actually determine how many civiians died Look at Hezbanon 2006 or Hamas. All the "numbers' come from Hezbo's mouth (ass) who controls the Hezbanese government Look at Gaza, Hamas releasese bogous inflated numbers about the % of civilian casulties. They will never open government or hospital records to independent investigation beacuswe it will prove its lies. How many were actually killed? We will never know
Non sence , how can yoy project what will hapen and at what cost. It has been proven that in the last wars with Hamas and Hez. boys they used humen shields, then what are you to do.
Its not just Israel seeing this also the USA, France, Canada, And on and on All the NATO forces and Un have had to deal with this. The USA and NATO solved the issue bye killing everyone around the armed subjects to send a message. This is the new face of WAR folks and we are going ot have o face it for what it is.
"The new face of WAR folks...". No wonder Israel's reputation is going down the drains with language like that. Try to avoid the next war, Levi - it will be better for everybody, including you.
total rubbish. propaganda. show us some evidence
What a thought, not kill civilians. I wish I would have thought of that
You probably haven't thought of that either. Then again, maybe I'm assuming to much for you.
And only yesterday, General Ashkenazi was assuring his audience that the next war with the Lebanon will "target inhabited areas." Am I surprised? Not really. It is business as usual in the lands of the never-ending myth.
I don't believe this!
and they are going to find more efficient ways to use people has human shields
there is no credible evidence that hamas hides behind civilians. israelis on the other hand, have been amply documented doing just that
Israel has to know that all it takes is one war that Israel looses and that would be the end of it. Each time you go to war, you are training your enemies and at one point they might win by chance or luck and that would be the end of Israel of today. Maybe 2048. Why dont you work for peace for a change, all you think of is war. What a life.
It just harms them diplomatically and in some ways domestically, so naturally they would try to reduce. Hamas, of course benefits from civilian casualtied - it is part of their international "marketing" campaign. Hopefully they change their strategy.
Not long ago the US army in Afghanistan was inflicting so many civilian casualties that it was creating a crises in the war effort. Winning hearts and minds was impossible under those conditiions. The army instituted new rules of engagment in order to minimize casualties. Almost immediately the troops in the field started to complain - they insisted that they were putting themselves at great risk, and furthermore couldn't accomplish the mission with one hand tied behind their backs. Petreus has already reversed course and loosened the rules of engagment. It's sad, but modern armies are in an incredibly difficult position when fighting insurgencies - there really is no perfect solution - except an end to war
In the past I did not have the feeling IDF acts like a moral army. They seem to work on it now. Keep going this way and Israel will be respected. I will support the IDF as soon as they really care for civilian casualties.
Instead of stopping the wars all together. Israel is so obsessed with showing its strength and military superiority that it does not even consider sitting on a table with the other side trying to find a peaceful solution. And no one should call what happened in Gaza a war. It was a military assault against a virtually defenseless people.
In war, there will be civvy casualties. More so when teh enemy moves in and bout and fights from heavily populated civian enclaves as Hamas and Hizbullah does or wsecrets its weapons in dense populated civvy areas. They can never elimnitate civvy casualties. My worry is IDF soldiers will be killed trying to protect civvies that really are pro hamas or Hizbullah
I also have a slightly used bridge in Brooklyn which I'm willing to sell you...cheap.
Does it sound better to call them "civvies"? We're talking about babies, small children, old women, mutilations, destruction and despair. The best would be not to attack at all, don't you think?
Your feelings are really worthless. The fact is, the IDF is a moral army..the most moral in the world. Do your research. That fact that you do not "feel" like it is is of now value.
led you to believe that the IDF is the most moral army in the world? Was it several years worth of listening to Israeli politicians and other spokesmen proclaiming the superior morality of the Israeli military? I would love to see you try to back up this so oftenly repeated lie...
Reading posts from people like you,I'm not surprised that Israel has been under attack for 60+ years. Yeah let's bomb Israel and you Jew don't retaliate because we hate it.Right Pierre?
Another victim of propaganda? Please re-read your history books, Daniel - you have an exceptionally distorted view of both the past and present. You know the difference between occupying and being occupied?
Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005. And no, there was no blockade for a few years after that, until rocket attacks on Israeli cities started from Gaza. What do you suggest Israel should have done to address rocket attacks killing women and children, years after Israel withdrew from Gaza? In my view, operation Cast Lead was a stunning success, as rocket attacks have mostly seized, and that was the one and only goal of the operation. If it upsets a few anti-Semites in Europe, so be it.
Defenseless people who voted for a leadership that when a non-combat treated ended refused to sign and instead launched roughly 250 missiles at civilian areas in Israel. I wonder about your reaction if people across your street started firing at your family with just small bullets, you agree to end the feud,and they resume firing would you a. say they are defenseless so I will let my family take its hits or b. start firing back? Remember they had already turned down your no shooting agreement.
israel most certainly did not withdraw from gaza, it simply turned it into an open-air prison. and even if israel did pull out of gaza (and it didn't), it didn't withdraw from the west bank, which is also part of the palestinian state. israel acts in a brutal fashion and then acts morally outraged that the victims fight back