This video report by The New York Times investigates Israeli airstrikes in Gaza during an 11-day campaign in May. It reveals that precision-guided bombs were used in densely populated areas, resulting in significant civilian casualties. Israel initially claimed to target tunnels, but later said it struck an underground command center. However, they lacked precise intelligence. The report suggests the use of heavy bombs and lack of warnings may constitute war crimes. The strikes killed many, including doctors involved in COVID-19 response, and left survivors struggling to cope. The investigation involved extensive analysis and questioning of the Israeli military.
Sure, here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. An Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed 44 people, including children, in three apartment buildings.
2. Riad Ishkontana survived being pulled from the rubble, but his wife and five children did not.
3. The Israeli military conducted an 11-day air campaign in May targeting Hamas, which governs Gaza.
4. The Israeli military used precision-guided bombs in the attacks on Ishkontana's neighborhood.
5. Israel initially claimed they were aiming at a tunnel but later said they hit an underground command center.
6. Israel accused Hamas of building military infrastructure under residential buildings.
7. The Israeli military hasn't provided evidence of the command center's existence.
8. Experts suggest that such Israeli strikes can be catastrophic and may constitute war crimes.
9. The conflict began with Hamas firing rockets at Israel in retaliation for police raids and evictions in East Jerusalem.
10. Israel responded with 11 days of bombing, resulting in casualties on both sides.
11. The Rimal neighborhood in Gaza City, where the strikes occurred, was considered safe due to its previous sparing in bombings.
12. The Israeli military's explanations for the strikes have evolved over time.
13. Israel used heavy bombs, including 2,000-pound ones, in the densely populated neighborhood.
14. Israel said they didn't warn civilians because they had conducted similar bombings without issues in the past.
15. Experts argue that the attacks, even if targeting tunnels, may have been illegal due to the risk to civilians.
16. The survivors of the Al Wahda Street strikes faced immense tragedy and loss.
17. The article involved extensive investigation, including satellite imagery analysis and consultation with experts.
These facts provide an overview of the key details in the text, without including opinions.