Gaza: Israeli soldiers’ posts on social media have been cited as evidence of war crimes, a Palestinian journalist has claimed. Younis Tirawi, speaking to Anadolu, emphasized the significance of these posts in documenting alleged war crimes, underscoring the importance of such documentation amidst ongoing conflict.
According to Anadolu Agency, Tirawi, who has faced threats from Israeli intelligence, recounted how Channel 13, a major Israeli television channel, labeled him a ‘terrorist supporter.’ He quoted a brigade commander threatening him with pursuit, highlighting the risks he faces in his efforts to document the conflict. Tirawi stressed the undeniable nature of the events in Gaza, visible to the world through social media, and pointed out that these records would serve as crucial evidence when the mourning families of Gaza seek justice.
Tirawi explained that the exposure of war crimes began with Israeli soldiers sharing videos on TikTok, treating acts of destruction as entertainment and showcasing them
with a sense of pride. He noted the disturbing transformation of a UN school in Gaza into a backdrop for soldiers’ laughter and amusement. Despite TikTok imposing restrictions on such content in November 2023, soldiers transitioned to other platforms to continue sharing videos of bombings and other acts against Palestinian civilians.
Highlighting a troubling pattern, Tirawi criticized the portrayal of war as a form of amusement by Israeli soldiers, who often compared their deployment in Gaza to a vacation. He expressed outrage over instances where soldiers displayed their acts of destruction, mockingly donned women’s underwear, and indulged in activities like smoking hookahs in Palestinian homes and universities.
Tirawi also recounted the bombing of the Gaza Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, lamenting the racist graffiti left behind by Israeli forces. He highlighted the extensive destruction in the Netzarim region, attributed to Israel’s 749th Combat Engineering Battalion, emphasizing the battalion’s
unabashed declarations on social media.
Tirawi further criticized the normalization of such acts within Israeli society, pointing to statements made by Israeli officials that dehumanize Palestinians. He also noted the involvement of soldiers with dual citizenship in the execution of these alleged war crimes, underscoring the international dimension of the issue.
The journalist concluded by asserting the need for accountability, describing Israeli forces in Gaza as a criminal organization rather than a conventional army. He called for the identification and prosecution of those responsible for the alleged murders and emphasized the importance of focusing international attention on these individuals.
The ongoing Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, initiated after a Hamas attack on October 7 last year, has resulted in the deaths of over 44,250 people, predominantly women and children, and has displaced nearly the entire population of the enclave. The blockade has led to severe shortages of essentials, with i
nternational organizations warning of an impending famine threatening over 2 million residents of Gaza.