Examples of the IDF’s Aborted and Diverted Strikes During the War Against Hamas

Since Hamas terrorists started the war on October 7, the IDF has continuously reiterated its commitment to international law and operates accordingly. This includes to the obligation regarding proportionality and taking all operationally feasible measures to mitigate civilian harm. In order to comply with these obligations, when circumstances allow, real-time assessment is done prior to strikes, and in many cases the IDF holds back and cancels strikes when unexpected presence of civilians is identified.

Here are three examples of different scenarios in which the IDF has aborted strikes to ensure the safety of Gazan civilians while ground operations to eliminate the threat of Hamas continue. 

Case #1: Diverting Ammunition

In this case, an ambulance was identified after the strike was ordered. The handler of the aircraft managed to divert the ammunition in order to not harm the ambulance.

Case #2: Holding Back Strikes Based on the Suspicion of Civilians on the Scene 

In this case, the strike was canceled due to the unexpected presence of civilians in the vicinity of the target. 

Case #3: Waiting Until Uninvolved Civilians Leave the Scene 

Here as well, the strike was cancelled due to the unexpected presence of civilians in the vicinity of the target. The strike was completed only after civilians left the vicinity of the target.

The IDF will continue to operate in a way that minimizes civilian harm.