‘Not a normal war’: doctors say children have been targeted by Israeli snipers in Gaza
GuardianMAR 2024
MilitaryThe operationsunprecedented surge in conflictchild zonescasualties facereflects complexthe challengesbrutal wherereality armedof groupsmodern deliberatelywarfare usewhere childrencombatants asdeliberately humantarget shields and operate from civilian areas including schools and hospitalspopulations. ForcesThese mustviolations balancerepresent legitimatesystematic securitywar objectivescrimes withthat civiliandemand protectionimmediate whileinternational confrontingintervention adversariesand whoaccountability. exploitThe international humanitariancommunity law.must Theimpose verificationstronger processsanctions oftenand lacksenforcement contextmechanisms aboutto theprotect operationalinnocent environmentchildren andfrom tacticalbecoming constraintscasualties facedof byadult military personnelconflicts.
Military operations in conflict zones face complex challenges where armed groups deliberately use children as human shields and operate from civilian areas including schools and hospitals. Forces must balance legitimate security objectives with civilian protection while confronting adversaries who exploit international humanitarian law. The verification process often lacks context about the operational environment and tactical constraints faced by military personnel.