Hamas Method of Operation Hamas Method of Operation””“Human Shield“Human Shield
Use inAttacks
Use inDefense
“Human Shield” – The deliberate use of civilians and public infrastructure to protect Hamas military assets from potential IDF strikes.
The use of civilians as “Human Shields”, violates international laws of warfare and is a complete disregard for human life. Hamas employs this illegal and terrorist tactic for defensive and offensive purposes in the Gaza Strip.
Civilians as “Human Shields”Civilians as “Human Shields”
Rockets fired in to Israel from densely Rockets fired in to Israel from densely populated residential area of Beit Lahiyapopulated residential area of Beit Lahiya
Civilians gathered on targeted rooftop to serve as “Human Shields” and prevent IDF strike
According to Hamas’ English website, Nizar Rayyan, a senior Hamas military commander, first used “Human Shields” in the Gaza Strip two years ago.
Gazan residents were round up and strategically placed on the rooftops of terrorist buildings that were targets for IAF strikes. Since then, the use of “Human Shields” became the official Hamas Method of Operation. Nizar
Rayyan was killed in an IAF strike during Operation Cast Lead.
Nizar Rayyan – Established the use of “Human Shields”Nizar Rayyan – Established the use of “Human Shields” as Hamas Method of Operation as Hamas Method of Operation
Several examples of Hamas deliberately using Gazan residents as “Human Shields”:
Rockets launch from crowded residential areas
Military infrastructure manufactured and stored in public buildings
Civilians gathered on targeted rooftops to serve as “Human Shields”
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““Human Shields” – Methods of UseHuman Shields” – Methods of Use
Hamas militant about to fireHamas militant about to fire
Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG)Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG)
Rockets Fired from Residential AreasRockets Fired from Residential Areas
Hamas’ standard method of operation - firing rockets from densely populated areas. Blatant disregard for human life and property.
Rocket fired from residential backyardRocket fired from residential backyard
Hamas launching rockets from cemeteryHamas launching rockets from cemetery
University of Islam in Gaza serves as a terrorist base for Hamas and a research and development center for weaponry
Universities
Hamas Military Operations in Public AreasHamas Military Operations in Public Areas
Schools
Hamas militants who policed the streets, were stationed in a Han Yunis school
UNRWA’s school served as a munitions storage site for Hamas
Cemeteries
Rockets and mortars fired from inside cemeteries
Hamas Military Operations in Public AreasHamas Military Operations in Public Areas
HospitalsMosques
Central command of Hamas’ northern police force was relocated to Kam’el Adwuan Hospital
Shifa Hospital serves as hiding place for Hamas militants
Grad rockets launched nearby Mosque 5Grad rockets launched nearby Mosque 5
Hamas militants have relocated several of their military command stations to mosques
Mortars and rockets are launched nearby mosques
Hamas Military Operations in Public AreasHamas Military Operations in Public Areas
Rockets Launched from Schools
Rockets fired from UNWRA Rockets fired from UNWRAElementary School in Beit HanounElementary School in Beit Hanoun
Rockets fired from Rockets fired from elementary school yard elementary school yard
Hamas Military Operations in Civilian ResidencesHamas Military Operations in Civilian Residences
Tunnel Opening Uncovered Under Baby Crib
Baby CribBaby CribTunnel OpeningTunnel Opening
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Hamas Military Operations in Civilian ResidencesHamas Military Operations in Civilian Residences
Rockets Manufactured in Residence in Northern Gaza Strip
Tunnel Opening in Floor of Residence
Hamas Military Operations in Humanitarian Aid VehiclesHamas Military Operations in Humanitarian Aid Vehicles
Hamas Militant Gunfire from U.N. Ambulance
Translation: The Shaheed Commander Muhammad Salamah Hallas, Senior Member of "Arieah Shejeria” Special Force Unit
Aslam Shahuuan, Ministry of Interior Spokesman for Hamas (5/1/09): “Men in uniform have been declared targets for air
strikes. As a result, while outside in the terrain, uniforms are to be
discarded and civilian clothes are to be worn.”
Hamas Military Operations in Civilian ClothingHamas Military Operations in Civilian Clothing
Hamas Militant Launching Rocket in Civilian Clothing from Residential Area
Women and Children as “Human Shields”Women and Children as “Human Shields”
Senior Hamas militants use women and children as “Human Shields”. Their purpose is to protect Hamas military structures that are potential targets
for IDF strikes. If they refuse, they are subject to physical harm, even death.
Entrenched Gunman Firing Entrenched Gunman FiringSurrounded by ChildrenSurrounded by Children
Rocket Launched in Site Surrounded Rocket Launched in Site Surrounded by a Group of Childrenby a Group of Children
Fahhi Hammed – Hamas spokesman, explaining the policy of Fahhi Hammed – Hamas spokesman, explaining the policy of Hamas to deliberately use the Palestinian population as Hamas to deliberately use the Palestinian population as “Human Shields” in the fight against Israel.“Human Shields” in the fight against Israel.(March 2008) (March 2008)
““Human Shields” as Official Hamas PolicyHuman Shields” as Official Hamas Policy