Hamas Manual On Human Shields

VIN News

IDF forces have found a Hamas-written manual that explains how civilians can be used to fight IDF forces.

The manual, titled “Urban Warfare,” belonged to the Shuja’iya Brigade of Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, and discloses that Hamas understands the IDF will do everything they can to avoid civilian casualties according to the IDF website.

In a portion entitled “Limiting the Use of Weapons,” the manual states, “The soldiers and commanders (of the IDF) must limit their use of weapons and tactics that lead to the harm and unnecessary loss of people and [destruction of] civilian facilities. It is difficult for them to get the most use out of their firearms, especially of supporting fire [e.g. artillery].”

The manual also talks about the positive outcome for Hamas when civilian houses and neighborhoods are destroyed, writing, “The destruction of civilian homes: This increases the hatred of the citizens towards the attackers [the IDF] and increases their gathering [support] around the city defenders (resistance forces[i.e. Hamas]).”

The IDF fought a major battle in the neighborhood of Shuja’iya, which had been turned into a terrorist stronghold. The discovery of this manual suggests that the destruction in Shuja’iya was always part of Hamas’ plan.