Israel’s use of close-range remote-controlled quadcopters for massacring Palestinian civilians in Gaza has surged over the past two decades. These drones, equipped with sophisticated surveillance gear and weaponry, are deployed by the IOF, with devastating consequences. Amnesty International has documented hundreds of civilian deaths from drone strikes during major Israeli incursions on Gaza. The Lanius drone, produced by Elbit Systems, is a prime example, capable of carrying lethal payloads for various military tasks.
Additionally, civilian drones like the Matrice 600, repurposed to deploy tear gas, are employed to target unarmed Palestinians in densely populated areas. These quadcopters bypass traditional anti-aircraft defenses, making them particularly lethal. In incidents like the Al-Rasheed massacre, quadcopters have been used alongside tanks to inflict mass casualties.
Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has documented numerous instances where quadcopters are used to terrorize Palestinians, inflicting severe injuries and trauma. The Lancet has highlighted the extensive traumatic injuries caused by drone strikes, challenging claims of minimized collateral damage. The constant presence of drones overhead contributes to psychological distress among civilians.
Israeli drone technology companies collaborate with US firms to develop advanced weapons, often tested on Palestinian civilians. This cycle of violence perpetuates the marketing of these drones as “battle-proven,” highlighting the urgent need for accountability and justice.
The drones have been employed to target civilian individuals as well. Following the downing of one such drone by Palestinian Resistance fighters, they managed to retrieve the recorded video footage from the drone.
The footage reveals a distressing scene: four Palestinian youths and 2 men walking along a bombed-out road are singled out as targets. The youths pose no evident threat and are unarmed. Despite their non-threatening demeanor, the drone strikes them, resulting in the deaths of three, while one attempts to crawl to safety. Shockingly, the drone continues to pursue the fleeing youngster, ultimately delivering a fatal blow.
This stark footage raises serious questions about the Israeli forces’ targeting practices, contradicting assertions by IDF spokespeople that their focus is solely on Hamas fighters.
CONTENT WARNING: The video shows distressing scenes, please be advised.
