Israeli troops in Gaza engaging in the destruction of food supplies, damaging a store, and pillaging

In a series of videos that have emerged and been reviewed by CNN, Israeli soldiers are depicted engaging in disturbing and disrespectful behavior in Gaza. The footage includes a soldier setting fire to food supplies while declaring their intent to eradicate the place. This act takes place in Shejaiya, a neighborhood in Gaza City, where the humanitarian situation has drastically worsened, raising concerns about starvation.

The videos, some apparently posted by the soldiers themselves on social media, showcase various instances of misconduct. These include soldiers ransacking private homes, destroying civilian property, and making racist and sexist comments. This behavior has added to the international criticism of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) amid their ongoing military offensive against Hamas in Gaza.

The IDF, in response to CNN’s inquiries about these videos, did not dispute their authenticity or the involvement of its soldiers. The IDF condemned the behavior as not aligning with its values and standards, promising punitive actions against those responsible.

As per the IDF’s statement to CNN, the organization is committed to identifying and addressing any misconduct and behavior not in line with IDF soldiers’ expected morals and values.

The offensive context of these videos is the war launched by Israel following a terrorist attack by Hamas on Israeli soil on October 7. Since the onset of the war, the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza has reported a significant number of casualties due to Israeli attacks, although these figures have not been independently verified by CNN.

The IDF has maintained that its operations are not targeting civilians in Gaza, yet the videos reveal a lack of respect for the lives of ordinary Gazans. Instances include a soldier making derogatory remarks while going through a woman’s personal belongings, another soldier vandalizing a shop, and other disrespectful acts involving civilian properties and possessions.

Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem’s representative, Dror Sadot, commented on the videos as symptomatic of a broader issue of dehumanization and the IDF’s alleged revenge policy towards Gaza post the Hamas terrorist attack.

Despite the international backlash, the rising Israeli casualties, and the high civilian death toll, Israeli society largely supports the IDF’s operations in Gaza. Retired IDF General Israel Ziv, disturbed by the videos, stated that he had contacted IDF commanders, who assured him that those involved would be punished after the cessation of fighting.

The IDF, while promising disciplinary measures for the soldiers involved, did not provide specific details about these measures to CNN. Additionally, the IDF’s response to separate incidents involving disrespectful actions in a West Bank mosque indicated the removal of those involved from operational activities and forthcoming disciplinary actions.