Hamas Method of Operation

1
Hamas Method of Operation Human Shield
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 Attacks
Use in Defense
Rockets fired in to Israel from densely populated
residential area of Beit Lahiya
Civilians gathered on targeted rooftop to serve
as Human Shields and prevent IDF strike
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.
4
Human Shields Methods of Use

• Several examples of Hamas deliberately using
  Gazan residents as Human Shields

3
2
1
Rockets launch from crowded residential areas
Military infrastructure manufactured and stored
in public buildings
Civilians gathered on targeted rooftops to serve
as Human Shields
5
Rockets Fired from Residential Areas

• Hamas standard method of operation - firing
  rockets from densely populated areas. Blatant
  disregard for human life and property.

Hamas militant about to fire Rocket Propelled
Grenade (RPG)
Rocket fired from residential backyard
6
Hamas Military Operations in Public Areas
Universities
Schools
Cemeteries

• Hamas militants who policed the streets, were
  stationed in a Han Yunis school
• UNRWAs school served as a munitions storage site
  for Hamas

• Rockets and mortars fired from inside cemeteries

• University of Islam in Gaza serves as a terrorist
  base for Hamas and a research and development
  center for weaponry

Hamas launching rockets from cemetery
7
Hamas Military Operations in Public Areas
Hospitals
Mosques

• Central command of Hamas northern police force
  was relocated to Kamel Adwuan Hospital
• Shifa Hospital serves as hiding place for Hamas
  militants

• Hamas militants have relocated several of their
  military command stations to mosques
• Mortars and rockets are launched nearby mosques

5 Grad rockets launched nearby Mosque
8
Hamas Military Operations in Public Areas
Rockets Launched from Schools
Rockets fired from UNWRA Elementary School in
Beit Hanoun
Rockets fired from elementary school yard
9
Hamas Military Operations in Civilian Residences
Tunnel Opening Uncovered Under Baby Crib
Tunnel Opening
Baby Crib
10
Hamas Military Operations in Civilian Residences
Rockets Manufactured in Residence in Northern
Gaza Strip
3
2
1
Tunnel Opening in Floor of Residence
11
Hamas Military Operations in Humanitarian Aid
Vehicles
Hamas Militant Gunfire from U.N. Ambulance
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
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.

Entrenched Gunman Firing Surrounded by Children
Rocket Launched in Site Surrounded by a Group of
Children
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)