Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Roey Gilad, has discussed the harrowing realities of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, focusing on the tragic civilian casualties in Gaza, including those in schools and hospitals.

During a compelling appearance on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, October 9, he placed the blame for these deaths on Hamas, accusing the militant group of using civilian structures like schools and clinics as shields in a war he described as “dirty.”

“Hamas Hides in Schools and Clinics”

One of the key points Gilad emphasised was the intentional use of civilian buildings by Hamas to protect themselves from Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) strikes.

“Unfortunately, schools, sometimes clinics have been places where Hamas activists found shelter, thinking that Israel is going to keep distance from those places,” he said.

According to Gilad, Hamas strategically places its fighters in or near civilian structures, making it difficult for the IDF to engage without risking civilian lives.

This tactic, he argued, has led to the tragic targeting of these areas, despite warnings issued to civilians.

“We told all the civilians to get far away from those places, and yet we could not agree to a situation where Hamas activists, Hamas terrorists, are hiding in those clinics, in those schools and finding shelter,” he continued.

Mr Gilad reiterated that while the IDF makes efforts to minimize civilian casualties, Hamas’ tactics complicate the distinction between militants and non-combatants, making military action unavoidable in some instances.

“This Is a Dirty War”

Gilad expressed frustration over the asymmetric nature of the conflict.

He described the war as “dirty” because of the unconventional tactics employed by Hamas fighters, who often blend in with the civilian population.

“This is actually a war between an organized army, the Israeli Defense Forces, and a terror organisation that has no clues to differentiate between them and the civil population,” he stated, underscoring the challenge of identifying militants who do not wear uniforms or distinguish themselves from ordinary civilians.

The Ambassador was clear about the root cause of the current crisis.

“He who should be blamed for this disaster is the leader of Hamas who planned the attack on the seventh of October,” Gilad declared, pointing to Mohammed Deif and other Hamas leaders.

He accused them of prioritizing their agenda of eliminating Israel over the well-being of the Palestinian people.

“They have brought a disaster… out of the wish, out of their agenda to wipe Israel off the map,” he said, asserting that Hamas leaders, not the Israeli military, were responsible for the mounting death toll in Gaza.

A Humanitarian Catastrophe

The war between Israel and Hamas, which erupted on October 7, 2023, has led to a devastating toll on both sides.

As of mid-October 2024, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 25,000 Palestinians, according to some reports, with thousands more wounded or displaced.

Hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed, and the destruction of schools has had a profound impact on children and families.

On the Israeli side, the death toll has also been significant, with hundreds of civilians and soldiers killed during Hamas’ surprise attack on southern Israel and the ensuing conflict.

In his comments, Gilad acknowledged the severe humanitarian crisis but maintained that Hamas was to blame.

“Whether the number is 40,000 or 30,000 or 20,000, the party, the side that should be blamed is the Hamas people,” he reiterated.

The Ambassador argued that Hamas’ tactics not only endanger Israeli citizens but also place Palestinians in harm’s way.

Mistrust in the UN and the Palestinian Leadership

Gilad also expressed scepticism about the ability of the United Nations or even the Palestinian Authority to effectively resolve the conflict.

He suggested that Arab leaders and the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah were aware of Hamas’ destructive role, even if they weren’t willing to openly criticize the group.

“I think the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah is aware of it, and many Arab leaders are aware of it, whether they are saying it loudly or not,” he said.

He added that direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians are the only way forward.