Title: Analyzing Human Rights Violations by the Israeli Military in Gaza
The Israeli military, often referred to as the "most moral army in the world," is facing serious allegations of war crimes, according to Israeli analysts and medical professionals who have served in Gaza. While instances of violence, arbitrary arrests, and physical abuse of Palestinians are not new, a troubling trend of dehumanization and the rise of far-right ideologies within the military may be contributing to a disturbing environment where soldiers act without accountability or operational justification.
Erella Grassiani, a researcher at the University of Amsterdam, highlights a concerning shift in the soldiers’ conduct. "This moral ‘numbing’ seems to be evolving," she notes. Historically, even if loosely adhered to, rules of engagement existed. However, the current situation reflects a significant departure from those standards.
Casual Brutality and Dehumanization
Reports of casual violence from Israeli soldiers in Gaza and the occupied West Bank have been persistent. Some soldiers have shared videos on social media showcasing their actions, such as donning women’s clothing from homes they’ve raided or engaging in inappropriate behavior with civilian belongings. Disturbingly, there are accounts of soldiers using civilians as target practice, allegedly to alleviate boredom.
In an investigation by the BBC, it was revealed that of 160 cases involving the deaths of children in Gaza, 95 had suffered gunshot wounds to the head or chest—injuries that cannot be justified as "intended to wound only." Furthermore, reports suggest that Israeli soldiers may be using civilians gathered around aid distribution sites as targets, with British surgeon Nick Maynard describing these sites as "death traps."
Maynard recounted a particularly harrowing experience: "I was operating on a 12-year-old boy who later died from injuries sustained at one of these sites. My colleagues and I noticed a troubling pattern of injuries, indicating that snipers were either practicing or using civilians to enhance their shooting accuracy."
Lack of Accountability
A July 2024 investigation by the Israeli magazine +972 uncovered a troubling picture of unrestrained military actions against civilians in Gaza. A soldier who served in the area shared, "There was total freedom. If there’s even a hint of threat, there’s no need for justification—you just shoot… it’s acceptable to shoot at anyone, regardless of age."
According to a report from Action on Armed Violence (AOAV), of the 52 investigations initiated by the Israeli army regarding alleged crimes in Gaza and the West Bank from October 2023 to June 2025, 88% were either stalled or closed without action. These cases involved the deaths of 1,303 individuals and injuries to 1,880 more, with only one resulting in a prison sentence.
Even when incidents are documented—such as the alleged gang rape of a Palestinian prisoner—public outcry has often led to the release of accused soldiers, further exemplifying the lack of accountability within the military.
Historical Context of Dehumanization
The accusations of torture and mistreatment of Palestinians by the Israeli military date back to at least 1967. Researchers have noted a concerning increase in dehumanizing language used to describe Palestinians within military circles. Historical records reveal that prominent Israeli figures have long denied the humanity of Palestinians, while children’s literature has depicted them in derogatory terms.
Grassiani emphasizes that the dehumanization process has been ongoing for decades but has now reached a critical point. "We’ve witnessed severe acts of violence since October 7, with soldiers seemingly seeking revenge," she states. Haim Bresheeth, author of An Army Like No Other, describes the situation as a "blood sport," stating that the normalization of violence against civilians is a sinister trend that continues to escalate.
Conclusion
The ongoing allegations against the Israeli military raise serious concerns about human rights violations and the treatment of Palestinians. As this situation unfolds, the international community must remain vigilant and demand accountability to ensure that such actions do not go unchecked. The need for a moral reassessment within the military and broader society is more urgent now than ever.
