The number of fatalities in the last Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip known as Operation Cast Lead is relatively low when one considers that the fighting took place in densely populated areas, noted a spokesman for the Israeli Army. The IDF makes the comparative conclusion based on population density.

“The figures show that the Israeli Army made great efforts in carrying out its precise operation,” he added, responding to accusations by human rights groups that are now demanding for an international investigation. The IDF spokesman defended the Israeli data which, he said, are based on a thorough analysis by the military secret services.

The controversial data refers to the 1,417 Palestinians killed in the Gaza Strip during the Israeli offensive that lasted for 22 days, broken down as follows: 926 civilians, 236 members of militia groups, and 255 members of the police force controlled by Hamas. Among the victims were 313 children and adolescents under 18 years, as well as 116 women.

Israel, however, only recorded about 1,166 Palestinians killed. Of the figure, 709 were allegedly involved in terrorist activities. The casualties, according to the IDF, included only 295 civilians, 89 children under 16 years, and 49 women.

A Palestinian human rights organization published a list of all fatalities and the dates of their deaths, accusing Israel of ‘an intentional attempt to destroy the handling of a military offensive and to conceal the illegal activities of Israel.’

One of the most controversial aspects is the classification of the security forces of Hamas. The policemen regulating traffic on roads were considered by Israel as members of the terrorist organization. This is probably because the entire Hamas has been previously declared as a terrorist group.

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Via The Boston Globe