Recent testimonies from Israeli reservists shed light on the internal struggles faced by those involved in military operations in Gaza. Michael Ofer Ziv, an operations commander, revealed the emotional toll of approving airstrikes and witnessing the aftermath on civilians. His concerns led him to join 40 other reservists in publicly refusing to serve in Gaza again.
Another reservist, Yuval Green, shared his experience as a combat medic in Gaza, expressing regret over the destruction inflicted on Palestinian civilians. Both Ziv and Green highlighted the moral dilemmas they faced, with Green ultimately deciding to leave his unit after being ordered to burn down a house in Khan Younis.
Refusing to serve again carries serious consequences, including potential imprisonment. Israeli human rights lawyer Michael Sfard explained the legal implications of disobeying orders during times of war.
Despite the risks, Ziv and Green remain steadfast in their decision to speak out against the military actions in Gaza. They hope to spark a public debate and challenge the prevailing military culture in Israel.
By sharing their stories, these reservists aim to raise awareness about the ethical considerations involved in military operations and advocate for a more humane approach to conflict resolution.
