Israel “targeted” Gaza civilians with humanitarian aid during the counterterrorist Pillar of Defense operation, at the same time Gaza terrorists committed war crimes by firing missiles on Israelis, as cited by Human Rights Watch on Monday.
The IDF Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) said that throughout the eight-day missile war last month, COGAT's field representatives in Gaza worked with the IDF, other branches of the Israeli defense establishment,international organizations and governmental representatives in order to provide assistance for the needs of the civilian population in Gaza.
“While Hamas actively exploits and endangers their civilians, COGAT's activities are yet another example of the measures that Israel takes to minimize casualties and harm amongst that very same population,” the IDF said.
Erez Crossing, the pedestrian terminal between Israel and Gaza, was fully operational for emergency evacuations throughout Pillar of Defense.
While the Kerem Shalom Crossing, the commercial goods terminal between Israel and Gaza, was open for three days of the operation, the threat of rocket fire kept warytruck drivers on both sides of the border away, and rockets were actually fired towards the crossing during the transfer of goods.
Throughout Operation Pillar of Defense, food stores in Gaza remained at high levels.
COGAT placed special emphasis on prioritizing health related requests, whether supply requests or exit permits for treatment in Israel. Israel continued to supply 125 MW of electricity to Gaza through the 10 electrical lines connecting Israel and Gaza.
