Palestinians in Gaza are now using so—called "human shield" tactics in response to Israel's policy of notifying targets that they are to be bombed from the air, so as to avoid human casualties. From the UK Times:

The warplanes were forced to abort their mission minutes after Israeli commanders made warning calls to two suspected militants' houses where the families — instead of abandoning the buildings — raised the alarm by firing guns from their roofs and summoning help through local mosques and radio stations. [emphasis added]

A longer report form the BBC seems to almost celebrate the "defiance" of the Palestinians.

The BBC's Alan Johnston in Gaza says it appears that an unprecedented act of defiance by the Palestinians to a particular Israeli tactic has worked.

The Israeli air force often uses night—time helicopter missile strikes to target homes in Gaza which the Israelis say have been used to store weapons or plan attacks on Israel.

Very often the air force telephones a warning 10 minutes before the strike to give the occupants time to escape and keep down casualties, our correspondent says

It is a war crime to locate military facilities among civilians. How much more of a war crime would it be to actually import civilians to incur casualties in case of an attack?

Yet neither report mentions this small but crucial piece of information.

Isarel's acts of humanity are being used against it, to enable warfare against Israel to be more effective. And not for the first time. The BBC adds:

Two weeks ago, Palestinian women went to a mosque in the nearby town of Beit Hanoun in response to a request from Hamas commanders.

Up to 15 Palestinian militants were hiding inside the mosque and a tense stand—off had developed between them and the Israeli forces surrounding the building.

The Israeli army said the crowd of women acted as "human shields". The men were able to mingle with them and escape, despite two of the women being killed when Israeli troops opened fire on the group.

"Militants" is a euphemism for combatants, or terrorists. Exploiting innocent lives to protect combatants is a vile war crime. This is what Isarel receives in return for its humanity. Shouod Israel stop issuing warnings, be prepared for the BBC and other media to denoujnce it as a war criminal, though.

This is passive—aggressive tactics elevated to warfare.

Hat tip: Paul Shlichta

Thomas Lifson  11 20 06