Unveiling the Truth: The Hannibal Protocol and War Crimes in Gaza Exposed by the Zionist Entity

On October 7, 2023, the Palestinian resistance movement executed Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a significant event that challenged the Zionist entity’s perceived invincibility. This operation not only tarnished the image of its so-called powerful army but also exposed its inability to effectively counter the resistance fighters. In retaliation, the Zionist occupation forces resorted to violence against innocent civilians, including their own settlers. Large-scale military operations resulted in the martyrdom and injury of tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians.

Recent media reports have revealed alarming details about the Zionist army’s orders to activate the “Hannibal Protocol” on that fateful day. This military procedure permits the use of lethal force to prevent the capture of soldiers, even at the cost of their lives. Such an admission underscores the severe violations committed by the occupation forces against Palestinian civilians and raises critical questions about their compliance with international humanitarian laws.

The Hannibal Protocol, developed in the 1980s, was designed to prevent the capture of soldiers at any cost, often leading to indiscriminate bombings of civilian areas. On October 7, 2023, this protocol’s activation resulted in tragic events, including attacks on a music festival that led to the deaths of numerous settlers. The excessive use of force demonstrated a blatant disregard for civilian lives and further entrenched the culture of impunity among the occupation forces.

In addition to aerial bombardments, Gaza experienced systematic assaults on civilian infrastructure, service facilities, and medical institutions. Key points include:

• Targeting of Hospitals: International reports have documented attacks on hospitals and medical clinics, crippling the healthcare infrastructure and denying basic services to civilians.
• Impact on Healthcare Workers: Many medical professionals and patients lost their lives due to these attacks, exacerbating an already dire situation.
• UN Reports: A December 2024 report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights indicated that these assaults pushed Gaza’s healthcare system to the brink of collapse, severely limiting Palestinians’ access to medical care.

The occupation forces justified these brutal attacks by alleging the presence of tunnels or military activities beneath hospitals. However, these claims often lack credible evidence. In fact, some Zionist officials have acknowledged that these tunnels have existed for decades without posing a current threat. For instance, former Prime Minister Ehud Barak noted the existence of a tunnel under one hospital since the 1973 war, raising questions about the motives behind the recent targeting of these facilities.

Moreover, the occupation forces engaged in live-streamed killings targeting displaced individuals in northern Gaza. Human rights organizations and media outlets documented numerous massacres carried out through aerial and artillery bombardments, leading to the destruction of entire residential blocks and resulting in the deaths and injuries of hundreds of civilians.

The use of indiscriminate, unguided weapons, such as explosive barrels and robots, further contributed to civilian casualties, with a significant number of victims being women and children. These systematic attacks on civilians and medical facilities represent blatant violations of international humanitarian law, which is designed to protect civilians, hospitals, and medical workers.

The destruction of healthcare infrastructure disproportionately affects civilians, especially under the unjust siege imposed on Gaza, which restricts access to essential medical supplies. The admission of activating the Hannibal Protocol and the targeting of medical facilities calls for an urgent independent international investigation into these violations. It is crucial that those responsible for these crimes are held accountable to ensure justice and prevent future occurrences.

The international community must take immediate action to protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza and guarantee their access to essential services without the threat of violence. In conclusion, the events of October 7, 2023, serve as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by the Palestinian people under occupation. Their lives and properties remain at constant risk, and it is imperative to shed light on these violations. Working towards holding the perpetrators accountable is a critical step in ending the occupation and achieving justice and peace in the region.