Hamas Method of OperationHamas Method of Operation ““Human ShieldHuman 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”

21 3

““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

55 Grad rockets launched nearby MosqueGrad rockets launched nearby Mosque

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 UNWRA Elementary School in Beit HanounElementary School in Beit Hanoun

Rockets fired from Rockets fired from elementary school yardelementary 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 Firing Surrounded 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 Fahhi Hammed – Hamas spokesman, explaining the policy of Hamas to deliberately use the Palestinian policy of Hamas to deliberately use the Palestinian population as “Human Shields” in the fight against population as “Human Shields” in the fight against Israel.Israel.(March 2008) (March 2008)

““Human Shields” as Official Hamas PolicyHuman Shields” as Official Hamas Policy