1y ago

Hospitals have special protection under the rules of war. Why are they in the crosshairs in Gaza?

apnews.com Hospitals have special protection under the rules of war. Why are they in the crosshairs in Gaza?

Hospitals have been caught in the crossfire during the Israel-Hamas war — both literally and in the clashing narratives of the conflict.

JERUSALEM (AP) — The head of surgery at Gaza’s largest and most advanced hospital held up his phone Saturday to the hammering of gunfire and artillery shelling. “Listen,” said Dr. Marwan Abu Sada as fighting raged around Shifa Hospital.

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From the ISW report today: Israeli forces fought Palestinian militia fighters near the Square of the Unknown Soldier less than half a kilometer from the al Shifa Hospital complex.[1] A Palestinian journalist reported that the al Qassem Brigades—the military wing of Hamas—ambushed Israeli forces south of the Square of the Unknown Soldier on Shuhada Street.[2] Other Palestinian militia fighters fought Israeli forces on Omar Mukhtar Street, which bounds the square.[3]
If you build your defense in urban environment you are supposed to evacuate the civilians. This is standard for any half competent army.
- If you build your defense in urban environment you are supposed to evacuate the civilians. This is standard for any half competent army.
  To where? Gaza is small enough as is, and the whole strip is being bombed by Israel.
  Also, Hamas isn't an army; they're a resistance force. Gaza doesn't have a proper army, which is why they have to resort to asymmetrical warfare.
  
  Away from Gaza City were they currently focus their defensive efforts.
  They have a structure and recognition marks, they fall under the Geneva convention as lawful combatants.
  Asymmetrical warfare does not allow you to use perfidy and abuse of a protected status.
  
  The Gaza Strip is one of the most densely populated places in Earth.

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