The distinction between civilians and combatants is a fundamental principle of human morality and a central tenet in international humanitarian law (the laws of war). As such, attacking or bombing a civilian population is strictly prohibited – whether in Gaza, Sderot, or anywhere else.
In light of the reports on the heavy toll taken on Palestinian civilians who were not involved in the conflict, including children and women, the IDF’s statement that “the civilian population is not the target” is not sufficient. To date, more than thirty Palestinian children have been killed since the launch of the Israeli air strikes on Saturday.
The ongoing, unlawful attacks from Gaza on the civilian population in Israel do not provide legal or moral justification for indiscriminate damage inflicted on innocent Palestinian civilians.
