Doctors Allege Children Shot During Gaza Fighting as Israeli Military Rejects Claims
Medical professionals working in Gaza said they have treated children with gunshot wounds that they believe were caused by Israeli sniper fire during the ongoing military offensive. Doctors described injuries that they said were inconsistent with shrapnel wounds and raised concerns about the circumstances in which the children were shot.
According to the doctors, some of the children arrived at hospitals with single gunshot wounds to the head or torso. Medical staff said the injuries were observed amid widespread bombardment and ground operations, which have placed severe strain on Gaza’s healthcare system.
The Israeli military said it categorically rejected allegations that its forces deliberately targeted civilians, including children. The Israel Defense Forces stated that its soldiers operate under strict rules of engagement and that intentional harm to non-combatants is prohibited.
The IDF said it investigates incidents in which civilians are harmed and maintained that its operations are directed against Hamas and other armed groups. It added that civilian casualties are an unintended consequence of fighting in densely populated areas.
Human rights organisations and international observers have repeatedly expressed concern about the impact of the Gaza conflict on children, calling for independent investigations into allegations of unlawful killings and for measures to protect civilians under international humanitarian law.
