December 18, 2023
English statement by the IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari:
Our war is against Hamas, not against the people of Gaza.
Hamas sees civilian death as a strategy, we see it as
a tragedy — which is why we use many measures to try and minimize the civilian harm and suffering — that is the tragic reality — in this war that Hamas started.
We warn civilians before attacks, whenever possible. We also recommend civilians to temporarily move away from areas of intense fighting.
We know this is hard, but we are trying to save lives.
We have also offered international organizations to set-up humanitarian zones. We use tactical pauses to allow for the evacuation of civilians — and the distribution of humanitarian aid.
Israel is not restricting the amount of humanitarian aid that can enter Gaza.
We abort attacks when we see unexpected civilian presence. We choose the right munition for each target — so it doesn't cause unnecessary damage.
We know civilians in Gaza are suffering. This is because of Hamas’s strategy and tactics
and because Hamas steals the international aid — meant for them.
Our intent is to defeat Hamas and secure the release of our hostages. The tragic suffering of civilians in Gaza — is not our intent. Our actions reflect this.
Hamas sees civilian death as a strategy, we see it as
a tragedy — which is why we use many measures to try and minimize the civilian harm and suffering — that is the tragic reality — in this war that Hamas started.
We warn civilians before attacks, whenever possible. We also recommend civilians to temporarily move away from areas of intense fighting.
We know this is hard, but we are trying to save lives.
We have also offered international organizations to set-up humanitarian zones. We use tactical pauses to allow for the evacuation of civilians — and the distribution of humanitarian aid.
Israel is not restricting the amount of humanitarian aid that can enter Gaza.
We abort attacks when we see unexpected civilian presence. We choose the right munition for each target — so it doesn't cause unnecessary damage.
We know civilians in Gaza are suffering. This is because of Hamas’s strategy and tactics
and because Hamas steals the international aid — meant for them.
Our intent is to defeat Hamas and secure the release of our hostages. The tragic suffering of civilians in Gaza — is not our intent. Our actions reflect this.
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