The New York Times recently released a new report highlighting Hamas’ extensive use of civilians as human shields in Gaza.
"They hide under residential neighborhoods, storing their weapons in miles of tunnels and in houses, mosques, sofas — even a child’s bedroom — blurring the boundary between civilians and combatants," the report writes of Hamas.
The Times report further notes that Hamas is "dragging out the war for as long as possible, even at the expense of more civilian death and destruction."
Hamas spent years building a labyrinth of tunnels under Gaza, many connected to hospitals, schools, mosques and residential buildings. It uses these tunnels to store weapons and rockets, and as hiding places for terrorists to launch attacks
Since October 7, Hamas’ abhorrent use of human shields has been visible for all to see.
In September, the IDF released photos of the tunnel entrance where the bodies of six Israeli hostages were recovered after they were brutally murdered by Hamas. The tunnel shaft was built inside a child's bedroom, with paintings of Disney characters and stuffed animals found nearby.
In August, the IDF announced it targeted Hamas operatives at a terror command center embedded in a school in Gaza City, the latest example of Hamas using schools for terrorist purposes.
In July, the bodies of five Israeli hostages were recovered from a tunnel found below a humanitarian safe zone... further proof that "Hamas exploits both the humanitarian area and civilians as human shields for their terrorist activities," the IDF said.
In June, the IDF uncovered a tunnel shaft in Rafah located inside a young girl's bedroom, highlighting Hamas' willingness to use Gaza's most vulnerable people to shield its terrorism.
In May, four Israeli soldiers were killed and 10 more wounded in a Hamas rocket attack on a humanitarian aid crossing...launched just 350 meters from a civilian camp in Rafah.
In April, satellite images showed Hamas embedding rocket launchers within a Khan Yunis humanitarian zone...just 11 meters from the nearest shelter tent.
In March, Israel captured and eliminated more than 700 terrorists who had re-established a command center inside Shifa Hospital, including stashing weapons in the maternity ward.
These are but the latest examples that show the great lengths Israel’s enemies go to cause death and destruction...even at the expense of innocent civilians.
As the threats continue to grow, so must our commitment to keeping Israel safe.
Together, we can encourage the United States to continue supporting Israel and hold terrorist groups responsible for their heinous use of human shields.
Brian Shankman
Chief Strategy Director for National Affairs
The mission of AIPAC is to encourage and persuade the U.S. government to enact specific policies that create a strong, enduring and mutually beneficial relationship with our ally Israel.
