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Israel Defense Forces Work to Protect Civilians - Not Kill Them

(New York Post) John Spencer - The world mourns the tragic loss of World Central Kitchen workers in Gaza. Israel took responsibility and admitted the grave error very quickly. This is what law-abiding, moral, ethical military forces do even when they make mistakes in the fog and friction of urban combat. But, in fact, Israel has taken extraordinary measures to follow international humanitarian law and prevent civilian casualties and civilian harm. In their criticism, Israel's opponents are erasing a remarkable, historic new standard Israel has set. In my long career studying and advising on urban warfare for the U.S. military, I've never known an army to take such measures to attend to the enemy's civilian population, especially while simultaneously combating the enemy in the very same buildings. In fact, by my analysis, Israel has implemented more precautions to prevent civilian harm than any military in history - above and beyond what international law requires and more than the U.S. did in its wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The international community, and increasingly the U.S., barely acknowledge these measures, while repeatedly excoriating the IDF for not doing enough to protect civilians - even as it confronts a ruthless terror organization holding its citizens hostage. Instead, America and its allies should be studying how they can apply the IDF's tactics for protecting civilians. The writer is chair of urban warfare studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point.
2024-04-09 00:00:00
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