How Hamas harms its own population in Gaza

The civilian population is a means to an end for Hamas

• Hamas deliberately and systematically mixes its attack bases with the civilian infrastructure in Gaza. It uses hospitals as command and control centers for military activities and as weapons depots. It misuses schools for weapons production. It uses critical civilian infrastructure (electricity and water supply) to shield rocket launching pads.
• Hamas is looting convoys carrying aid for the civilian population. It has stolen fuel from UN warehouses and, over many years, diverted funds from aid organizations and used material that should have been used to build infrastructure for the benefit of the population to build tunnels.
• Hamas has actively undermined the calls and efforts of the IDF and the government of Israel to evacuate the civilian population and has instead used its own population as human shields, which also generates images that can be used for propaganda purposes.
• Hamas has damaged its own civilian infrastructure in Gaza.
• Since 7 October 2023, Hamas and other front organizations have been responsible for more than 1,900 misdirected rockets in Gaza, causing numerous deaths and injuries.
• On October 7, 2023, nine of the ten power lines from Israel and one water line from Israel were shelled by Hamas.
• Hamas has taken the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza under constant fire, which is central to the delivery of goods and aid to Gaza.
• Hamas has positioned booby traps in numerous civilian facilities in Gaza, including schools, to attack IDF ground forces. (As of December 16, 2023)

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West Bank and Gaza