1. Hamas Method of Operation
“Human Shield”
מגן אנושי

2. Civilians as “Human Shields”
“Human Shield” – The deliberate use of civilians and public infrastructure to protect Hamas military assets from potential IDF strikes.
The use of civilians as “Human Shields”, violates international laws of warfare and is a complete disregard for human life. Hamas employs this illegal and terrorist tactic for defensive and offensive purposes in the Gaza Strip.
Use in
Defense
Use in
Attacks
Civilians gathered on targeted rooftop to serve as “Human Shields” and prevent IDF strike
Rockets fired in to Israel from densely populated residential area of Beit Lahiya
מגן אנושי

3. Nizar Rayyan – Established the use of “Human Shields”
as Hamas Method of Operation
According to Hamas’ English website, Nizar Rayyan, a senior Hamas military commander, first used “Human Shields” in the Gaza Strip two years ago. Gazan residents were round up and strategically placed on the rooftops of terrorist buildings that were targets for IAF strikes. Since then, the use of “Human Shields” became the official Hamas Method of Operation. Nizar Rayyan was killed in an IAF strike during Operation Cast Lead.
מגן אנושי

4. “Human Shields” – Methods of Use
Several examples of Hamas deliberately using Gazan residents as “Human Shields”: 1 2 3
Civilians gathered on targeted rooftops to serve as “Human Shields”
Military infrastructure manufactured and stored in public buildings
Rockets launch from crowded residential areas
מגן אנושי

5. Rockets Fired from Residential Areas
Hamas’ standard method of operation - firing rockets from densely populated areas. Blatant disregard for human life and property.
Rocket fired from residential backyard
Hamas militant about to fire
Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG)
מגן אנושי

6. Hamas Military Operations in Public Areas
Cemeteries
Schools
Universities
Rockets and mortars fired from inside cemeteries
Hamas militants who policed the streets, were stationed in a Han Yunis school
UNRWA’s school served as a munitions storage site for Hamas
University of Islam in Gaza serves as a terrorist base for Hamas and a research and development center for weaponry
מגן אנושי
Hamas launching rockets from cemetery

7. Hamas Military Operations in Public Areas
Mosques
Hospitals
Hamas militants have relocated several of their military command stations to mosques
Mortars and rockets are launched nearby mosques
Central command of Hamas’ northern police force was relocated to Kam’el Adwuan Hospital
Shifa Hospital serves as hiding place for Hamas militants
מגן אנושי
5 Grad rockets launched nearby Mosque

8. Hamas Military Operations in Public Areas
Rockets Launched from Schools
Rockets fired from elementary school yard
Rockets fired from UNWRA Elementary School in Beit Hanoun
מגן אנושי

9. Hamas Military Operations in Civilian Residences
Tunnel Opening Uncovered Under Baby Crib
Tunnel Opening
Baby Crib
מגן אנושי

10. Hamas Military Operations in Civilian Residences
Rockets Manufactured in Residence in Northern Gaza Strip 1 2 3
Tunnel Opening in Floor of Residence
מגן אנושי

11. Hamas Military Operations in Humanitarian Aid Vehicles
Hamas Militant Gunfire from U.N. Ambulance
מגן אנושי

12. Hamas Military Operations in Civilian Clothing
Hamas Militant Launching Rocket in Civilian Clothing from Residential Area
Aslam Shahuuan, Ministry of Interior Spokesman for Hamas (5/1/09): “Men in uniform have been declared targets for air strikes. As a result, while outside in the terrain, uniforms are to be discarded and civilian clothes are to be worn.”
Translation: The Shaheed Commander Muhammad Salamah Hallas, Senior Member of "Arieah Shejeria” Special Force Unit
מגן אנושי

13. Women and Children as “Human Shields”
Senior Hamas militants use women and children as “Human Shields”.
Their purpose is to protect Hamas military structures that are potential targets for IDF strikes. If they refuse, they are subject to physical harm, even death.
Rocket Launched in Site Surrounded by a Group of Children
Entrenched Gunman Firing Surrounded by Children
מגן אנושי

14. “Human Shields” as Official Hamas Policy
Fahhi Hammed – Hamas spokesman, explaining the policy of Hamas to deliberately use the Palestinian population as “Human Shields” in the fight against Israel.
(March 2008)
מגן אנושי