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Source: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/HRW/84c4570b73c48176db1ea750b01402de.htm
Calling for Palestinian Civilians to Shield Terrorists' Homes Violates International Law
[Human Rights Watch/Reuters] Palestinian armed groups must not endanger Palestinian civilians by encouraging them to gather in and around suspected militants' homes targeted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Human Rights Watch said Wednesday. Calling civilians to a location that the opposing side has identified for attack is at worst human shielding, at best failing to take all feasible precautions to protect civilians from the effects of attack. Both are violations of international humanitarian law. "There is no excuse for calling civilians to the scene of a planned attack," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "Whether or not the home is a legitimate military target, knowingly asking civilians to stand in harm's way is unlawful." "[PA] Prime Minister Haniyeh and other Palestinian leaders should be renouncing, not embracing, the tactic of encouraging civilians to place themselves at risk," said Whitson.