The IDF press service released excerpts from conversations between military investigators of the 504th Military Intelligence Unit AMAN and Gaza Strip residents.
The discussions shed light on Hamas' conduct towards the civilian population, with Palestinians expressing a desire to be liberated from Hamas rule. The residents cite incidents of robbery, threats, murders, looting of humanitarian aid, and corruption linking Hamas with representatives of international organizations operating in the Gaza Strip.
Soldiers from the 504th unit are advising Palestinians to evacuate the area before the Israeli army targets Hamas terrorist locations. However, their interlocutors, who hold a very friendly attitude towards the Israeli military, explain that Hamas militants are forcing them to leave their homes, providing a location for Hamas to shoot at the IDF.
Hence, according to a resident in the area, they choose not to evacuate their homes. Leaving would mean risking the loss of their housing, as Hamas members use residential buildings as firing locations and aim to eliminate these "firing points."
The Palestinian further explains that the militants themselves damage the walls and vacate the houses to evade attacks.
Another individual speaking to the Israeli investigators mentioned that he used to work as a cook-technologist at the "American Food Agency" before the war. He recounted an incident where Hamas militants attempted to steal food, but he resisted their attempts.
Expressing frustration, a resident of the area adds, "They don't just steal food, although that would be bad enough; they directly pilfer from UNRWA warehouses!"
In another conversation, a Gaza Strip resident calls for divine intervention against Hamas, while an Israeli soldier provides guidance on safely leaving the war zone and emphasizes the importance of raising the white flag.
The resident laments, "When will you rid us of them?" The soldier questions, "Why us?" and suggests, "Why don't you eliminate them yourselves?"
The Palestinian responds, "They are killing us; they killed my cousin yesterday!" When asked for the reason, the Palestinian explains that his relative sought help from the UNRWA agency and was killed by Hamas militants in Rafah. The Israeli military man clarifies, "That's why we are eliminating them."
