Fact Check: Did the IDF commit any crime in the past year?
What We Know
In the past year, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have faced numerous allegations regarding their conduct during military operations in Gaza. Reports indicate that the IDF has been accused of committing serious violations of international law, including potential war crimes. According to a BBC article, distinguished lawyers and diplomats have expressed growing concerns about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, suggesting that Israel's military actions may have violated the Geneva Conventions, which mandate the protection of civilians during armed conflict.
On June 27, 2025, Haaretz reported that Israeli soldiers claimed they were ordered to fire at unarmed Palestinians near aid distribution sites, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. This assertion has been met with denial from the Israeli military, which labeled the claims as "blood libels" and stated that soldiers were not instructed to target civilians (CNN). However, the Israeli Military Advocate General has initiated an investigation into these allegations, indicating a recognition of the seriousness of the claims (Reuters).
Furthermore, reports from the Gaza Ministry of Health indicate that over 54,607 Palestinians have been killed since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023, with UNICEF reporting significant casualties among children (BBC). The Israeli government has contested these figures, citing concerns about their reliability due to Hamas's control over the region (BBC).
Analysis
The allegations against the IDF are serious and multifaceted. The claim that soldiers were ordered to shoot at unarmed civilians raises significant ethical and legal questions. The source from Haaretz provides firsthand accounts from soldiers, which adds a layer of credibility to the allegations. However, the Israeli military's denial and characterization of these claims as unfounded suggests a potential bias in the reporting, as the military has a vested interest in protecting its image and operational integrity.
The initiation of a war crimes investigation by the Israeli Military Advocate General indicates that there is at least some acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation. This step could be seen as an attempt to address international scrutiny and maintain some level of accountability. However, the effectiveness and impartiality of such investigations can be questioned, given the military's control over the process.
The humanitarian impact of the conflict is also critical to consider. Reports of high civilian casualties, including children, and the use of starvation as a tactic of war, as described by various humanitarian organizations, highlight potential violations of international humanitarian law (BBC). The assertion that Israel has used hunger as a weapon of war, as stated by a British government minister, further complicates the narrative and raises questions about compliance with the Geneva Conventions.
Overall, while there is substantial evidence suggesting that the IDF's actions may constitute war crimes, the situation is complex and characterized by conflicting narratives and significant challenges in verifying claims due to the ongoing conflict and restrictions on reporting from Gaza.
Conclusion
The claim that the IDF committed crimes in the past year is Partially True. There is credible evidence suggesting that the IDF's military operations have resulted in significant civilian casualties and potential violations of international law. However, the complexities of the conflict, including the denial of these allegations by the Israeli military and the challenges in verifying casualty figures, complicate the narrative. The situation remains fluid, and ongoing investigations may provide further clarity in the future.
Sources
- Israeli military orders war crime probe into Gaza shootings, paper says
- Israel is accused of the gravest war crimes in Gaza
- IDF soldiers ordered to shoot deliberately at unarmed Gazans waiting for humanitarian aid
- Israeli military rejects report that soldiers told to fire at unarmed Palestinians waiting for humanitarian aid
