Israeli Soldiers Admit to War Crimes in Gaza, Refuse Further Service

Yotam Vilk, an Israeli armored corps officer, vividly recalls the killing of an unarmed Palestinian teenager in the Gaza Strip, an event that haunts him.

Vilk stated that soldiers were ordered to shoot any unauthorized individuals entering an Israeli-controlled buffer zone in Gaza.

Although he witnessed at least 12 murders, the teenager's death is etched in his memory.

“He died as part of a bigger story, as part of the policy of staying there and not seeing Palestinians as people,” Vilk, 28, told The Associated Press.

Vilk is one of a growing number of Israeli soldiers openly admitting to participating in or witnessing actions they believe constitute war crimes, and subsequently refusing to continue serving in the Israeli genocidal war.

Approximately 200 soldiers have signed a letter pledging to cease fighting if the government fails to secure a ceasefire, signaling a burgeoning movement within the military.

These confessions emerge as international pressure mounts for Israel to reach a ceasefire deal with Hamas.

Seven soldiers who have refused to serve in Gaza shared with the AP their experiences of indiscriminate killings and unnecessary destruction of homes.

Some soldiers admitted to being ordered to burn or demolish residences that posed no threat, while others witnessed looting and vandalism by their comrades.

Traditionally, soldiers are expected to avoid political statements and rarely criticize the military.

However, as the conflict continued, internal divisions grew, though most criticism has focused on rising soldier casualties and the failure to rescue hostages rather than on military actions in Gaza.

International human rights organizations have accused Israel of committing war crimes and genocide in Gaza.

The International Court of Justice is investigating genocide allegations filed by South Africa, while the International Criminal Court seeks the arrests of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant.

Israel denies these allegations, claiming that it takes extensive measures to minimize civilian casualties and investigates any suspected misconduct.

However, rights groups contend that the Israeli military’s internal investigations are inadequate.

The Israeli army condemned the refusal to serve, stating that each case is taken seriously and examined individually.

Vilk described his disillusionment after entering Gaza in November 2023, initially believing that force might lead to negotiations.

As the conflict dragged on, he perceived a growing disregard for human life.

He recounted the day the Palestinian teenager was killed in August, explaining how troops fired warning shots, but the teen continued moving and was ultimately shot.

Vilk acknowledged the difficulty in discerning whether individuals were armed but felt the soldiers acted prematurely.

For some soldiers, processing the events in Gaza took time, while others immediately resolved to stop serving due to the horrors they witnessed.

Yuval Green, a 27-year-old medic, described abandoning his post after nearly two months in Gaza, unable to reconcile with what he had seen.

Green recounted how soldiers desecrated homes, used markers meant for medical emergencies to graffiti walls, and looted homes for souvenirs.

He recalled a specific incident where his commander ordered the burning of a house, which Green found unjustified and vindictive. He left his unit before the mission ended.

He hopes his refusal to serve will contribute to breaking the cycle of violence.

"Soldiers for the Hostages," the group behind the refusal letter, is gaining momentum, hosting events in Tel Aviv and collecting more signatures.

During a panel, soldiers shared their experiences in Gaza, with organizers distributing posters featuring a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.: “One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.”

Max Kresch, an organizer, emphasized the importance of soldiers using their positions to advocate for change.

“We need to use our voice to speak up in the face of injustice, even if that is unpopular,” he said.

Several soldiers expressed feelings of guilt and regret, seeking solace in conversations with friends and family about their experiences.

Tuly Flint, a trauma therapy specialist, explained that many soldiers suffer from “moral injury,” which occurs when actions conflict with personal beliefs, leading to symptoms such as insomnia, flashbacks, and feelings of worthlessness.

Discussing these experiences and striving for change can aid in recovery, Flint noted.

One former infantry soldier described his guilt over witnessing the unnecessary burning of about 15 buildings during a two-week period in late 2023.

Reflecting on his participation, he expressed deep remorse.

“I didn’t light the match, but I stood guard outside the house. I participated in war crimes,” he said, requesting anonymity due to fears of retaliation. “I’m so sorry for what we’ve done.”