Israeli Rights Group: 773 Out Of 1,387 Killed In Gaza Were Civilians

Today, the Israeli human rights group B’ Tselem published its findings on the number of Palestinians killed in Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza strip.

According to B’ Tselem’s comprehensive investigation, Israeli forces killed 1,387 Palestinians during the course of the 3 weeks military operation. Of these, 773 did not take part in the hostilities including 320 minors and 109 women over the age of 18. Of those killed, 330 took part in the hostilities and 248 were Palestinian police officers.

B’ Tselem’s figures are the result of months of meticulous investigation, and they sharply contradict those published by the Israeli military. Israel military stated that 1,166 Palestinians were killed, and that 60 percent of them were part of Hamas or other armed groups. According to Israeli officials, a total of only 295 Palestinians were killed.

“The Israeli military has refused to provide us with a list of fatalities. However, the blatant discrepancy between the numbers is intolerable,” stated  B’ Tselem.

For example, the military claims that altogether 89 minors under the age of 16 died. However, B’ Tselem gathered death certificates, photo and testimonies as well as visited houses in relation to the death of 252 children under the age of 16.

“Behind the dry statistics lie shocking individual stories. Whole families were killed; parents saw their children shot before their very eyes; relatives watched their loved ones bleed to death; and entire neighborhoods were obliterated,” stated B’ Tselem.

B’ Tselem list of fatalities in Operation Cast Lead has been sent to the Israeli military for comments.

To read the complete investigation from B’ Tselem click here.