In light of the recent escalation in violence around the Gaza Strip, including a Grad rocket strike on a mall in the Israeli city of Ashkelon, the Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem has repeated its demand that all parties protect civilians from the fighting. The rules of war obligate all parties to a conflict to do their utmost to prevent harm to civilians. Deliberate targeting of civilians is expressly prohibited.
B'Tselem strongly condemns Palestinian rocket fire at Israeli civilians. These attacks constitute war crimes and those responsible for them must be prosecuted. It is not only Israel's right but its duty to protect its citizens. However, fulfillment of this duty must employ measures that are consistent with the demands of international humanitarian law (IHL). Israel must consider all its actions in light of the principles of IHL, and act in a proportionate manner, distinguishing between civilians and combatants.
