Fact Check: Part of Hamas’ tactic is to use Gaza civilians as human shields and photograph the dead to blast out over social media.

Fact Check: "Part of Hamas’ tactic is to use Gaza civilians as human shields and photograph the dead to blast out over social media."

What We Know

The claim that Hamas uses civilians as human shields is supported by various reports and analyses. According to a detailed examination by the New York Times, Hamas fighters have been known to operate from civilian areas, utilizing homes, mosques, and other infrastructure to conceal their military activities. This tactic blurs the lines between combatants and non-combatants, making it difficult for opposing forces to engage without risking civilian casualties. The report highlights that Hamas has employed ambush tactics, often dressing its fighters in civilian clothing to avoid detection and using civilians, including children, as lookouts.

Furthermore, a report by the Henry Jackson Society asserts that Hamas systematically exploits Gaza's civilian infrastructure to shield its military assets. This includes storing weapons in residential buildings and using civilian areas for military operations, which aligns with the claim regarding the use of human shields.

On the other hand, the claim about photographing the dead and disseminating images on social media is less substantiated. While there are reports of Hamas utilizing social media to shape narratives and garner international sympathy, the specific claim regarding the systematic photographing of dead civilians as a tactic lacks robust evidence in the sources reviewed.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the use of civilians as human shields by Hamas is substantial and comes from credible sources. The New York Times report is based on interviews with both Hamas fighters and Israeli soldiers, providing a balanced perspective on the tactics employed during the conflict. The report's detailed descriptions of how Hamas integrates its military operations within civilian contexts lend credibility to the assertion that they use civilians as shields.

Conversely, the claim regarding the photographing of dead civilians appears to be more anecdotal and less documented. While Hamas does utilize social media to influence public perception, the absence of direct evidence or specific instances in the reviewed sources makes this part of the claim less reliable. The Human Rights Watch report discusses the broader context of violence and civilian suffering but does not specifically address the photographing of dead civilians as a tactic.

Moreover, the reliability of the sources varies. The New York Times and the Henry Jackson Society are generally regarded as credible, though they may have different editorial slants. The former is known for its investigative journalism, while the latter is a think tank that may present a more politically charged perspective. The Guardian also provides insights into the experiences of civilians but focuses more on the actions of Israeli troops rather than Hamas's tactics.

Conclusion

The claim that Hamas uses Gaza civilians as human shields is Partially True. There is credible evidence supporting the assertion that Hamas employs tactics that involve civilian infrastructure and disguises to conduct military operations. However, the specific claim regarding the systematic photographing of dead civilians for social media lacks sufficient evidence and is less substantiated in the available sources. Therefore, while the first part of the claim holds up under scrutiny, the second part does not have the same level of support.

Fact Check: Part of Hamas’ tactic is to use Gaza civilians as human shields and photograph the dead to blast out over social media.