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July 16, 2009

Israeli Soldiers Describe Abuses in Gaza Assault
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Meanwhile in Israel, a group of 26 soldiers who took part in the
three-week Israeli assault on Gaza have come forward with testimony on
the disregard for Palestinian civilian life during the attack. The
testimony was gathered by the Israeli peace group “Breaking the
Silence”, which says soldiers were instructed to “shoot first and worry
later.” Soldiers described witnessing several war crimes including the
use of Palestinians as human shields. One Israeli soldier identified as
Amir said Israeli soldiers opened fire in Gaza at will.
bq. “Amir”: “At any obstacle, any problem, we open fire and don’t ask
questions. Even if it’s firing in the dark, firing aimed at unknown
target, firing when we don’t see, deterrent fire, no problem with that,
etc. A vehicle that’s in the way–crush it, a building in the way–shoot
at it. This was the spirit which was repeated throughout the training.”