Israel’s Army Radio has revealed that Military Advocate General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi issued a stern warning to Major-General Yaron Finkelman, head of the Southern Command, over inadequate consideration of Gaza’s civilian population during military operations. The lawyer’s letter, reported by journalist Doron Kadosh, highlighted concerns over flawed civilian estimates impacting humanitarian aid and airstrike planning, including the calculation of collateral damage.
One case in point was Beit Lahiya in North Gaza. Initial military assessments pegged its civilian population at just 3,000, but later revelations showed over 14,000 displaced individuals from the area. This significant miscalculation underscores the potential for humanitarian oversights and heightened civilian risk during attacks.
Although the letter triggered an internal investigation, the inquiry concluded that neither the aid provided nor the military actions caused “unusual harm” to uninvolved civilians. However, these findings contradict reports from the UN and other aid organizations working in Gaza, which document mounting civilian casualties and a dire humanitarian crisis.
The military’s ongoing siege of North Gaza, in place since October 6, has drawn scrutiny from international watchdogs. Tomer-Yerushalmi’s concerns underscore the fine line between military objectives and civilian safety, with the lawyer calling for greater diligence in assessing the civilian toll.
As civilian casualty figures rise, the gap between internal military reports and external assessments has only deepened. For now, the situation leaves critical questions about accountability and the broader humanitarian impact unanswered.
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