Israel Reports High Civilian Casualties in Ongoing Conflict with Hamas

Israel Deploys High-Tech Mapping Software to Reduce Non-Combatant Deaths

According to a report by news agency AFP, senior Israeli military officials have revealed that at least two civilians are losing their lives for every Hamas fighter killed in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This revelation comes as Israel faces mounting pressure from the international community to minimize civilian casualties during its war with the Palestinian militant group.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have responded to these concerns by announcing the deployment of advanced mapping software designed to reduce non-combatant deaths in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Since Israel launched retaliatory operations following Hamas’ attack on October 7 in southern Israel, the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry claims that nearly 16,000 people have been killed.

Confirmation of High Casualty Figures

During a recent briefing, Israeli military officials confirmed reports that approximately 5,000 Hamas fighters have been killed in Gaza so far, stating that “the numbers are more or less right.” While acknowledging the high ratio of civilian casualties, one official attributed this to Hamas’ use of human shields, emphasizing that it is a core strategy for the militant group. The officials expressed hope that the ratio of civilian deaths would decrease in the next phase of the conflict.

Implementation of High-Tech Mapping Software

The IDF’s newly deployed high-tech mapping software incorporates mobile phones, aerial surveillance, and AI to create a constantly updating map of population concentrations in Gaza. By utilizing these technologies, the IDF aims to minimize collateral damage and protect innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.

However, the UN’s humanitarian office OCHA has raised concerns about the software’s effectiveness in an environment where access to telecommunications and electricity is sporadic. Netblocks, an organization specializing in internet freedom, confirmed that Gaza residents were experiencing a “total loss of communications.”

Israel’s Accusations of Hamas Using Human Shields

Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of using civilians in Gaza as human shields, alleging that the militant group hides arms and command centers in residential areas and hospitals. The use of human shields is considered a grave breach of international humanitarian law under the Geneva Conventions.

While the presence of military targets in civilian areas does not exempt them from being considered legitimate military targets, any attack on such sites should be proportionate and weighed against the principle of minimizing civilian casualties.

International Pressure on Israel

The United States, Israel’s key ally, has called on the country to ensure the protection of civilians in Gaza. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that it is too early to determine if Israel is doing enough in this regard. The US also expects Israel to avoid attacking areas designated as “no-strike” zones in Gaza.

A Reuters report highlighted that Israeli airstrikes in southern Gaza, a densely populated coastal enclave, have targeted areas where Israel had instructed people to seek shelter.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed to Israel to refrain from actions that would exacerbate the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and spare civilian lives. The UN has expressed deep concern for the safety of those ordered to evacuate, as they have nowhere safe to go and limited resources for survival.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.