OPERATION CAST LEAD = THE GAZA MASSACRE
Three years ago today Israel launched 'Operation Cast Lead' -

Besides vast destruction and mass population displacement, 313 children were killed among the 1414 who died over a 23-day period. Of the 5300 injured (many seriously), 1606 were children. In all cases, the vast majority were noncombatants.

Of the children killed:

-- most were at home or nearby;

-- around one-third were girls and the rest boys;

-- almost 15% were under age 5 and another one-fourth between 5 and 10;

-- the remainder were between 11 and 17;

-- the "overwhelming majority" were killed in densely populated residential areas;

-- 46% were killed in northern Gaza;

-- 38% in Gaza City;

-- 9% in Khan Yunis and Rafah and 7% in less densely populated areas.

Israel used conventional and illegal weapons. The former included missiles, artillery and tank shells, mortars, and automatic weapons.

Others included:
-- white phosphorous that burns flesh to the bone and can be fatal; it's use is prohibited in civilian areas;
-- flechettes that are 4cm long darts used as anti-personnel weapons; they penetrate to the bone and can cause multiple horrific injuries; up to 8000 of them can be packed into one artillery shell; on explosion, they travel at high speed in multiple directions up to around 300 meters; and
-- various other internationally prohibited weapons that PCHR investigations uncovered and condemned.
Its case studies show a consistent failure of Israeli forces to protect civilian lives, especially those of children. They document indiscriminate attacks against densely populated neighborhoods in grave violation of international laws.
To safeguard civilians and non-military areas and structures, IHL requires that precautions be taken in any attack, and civilian protection is paramount. Israel pays no heed and attacks indiscriminately in grave violation of the law