Why do Islamic militant organizations such as Hamas carry out attacks against Israeli citizens by using their civilians as human shields?

Gilad Shalit, a former soldier in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), was kidnapped by Hamas in 2006.

His extra-judicial abduction raised several concern across Israel both from the government and public.

Israel searched every possible way to bring him back alive. The only option that effectively worked was to return him by trading more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.

The negotiations for his safe recovery were held under German and Egyptian mediation. The agreement occurred on October 6, 2011 and was finalized on October 11. On October 18, Shalit finally returned home.

In order to celebrate his safe recovery, the Israeli public assembled in front of his home and warmly welcomed him. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Shalit, and offered him a great welcome back. Netanyahu told Shalit about how his wife, Sara, was concerned about his life.

“She insisted that I think of you while you were living under captivity and darkness,” said the premier to Shalit.

To safely secure Shalit’s release took five-and-a-half years. Natanyahu must be praised for protecting the life of the young man who was being badly persecuted by Hamas.

What really sounds surprising is that Netanyahu decided to release over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for one Israeli soldier.

It is well-known that the Israeli government generally respects its citizens, and wants to protect their lives from any violence. The dead bodies of three Israeli students recently found in shallow graves in the West Bank was a deeply heart-breaking news not only for their families, but all across Israeli society.

It is paramount to understand that Israel goes from pillar to post to uproot the existence of Hamas since the Islamist movement poses a grave threat to its citizens.

This begs the question: Why do Islamic militant organizations such as Hamas carry out attacks against Israeli citizens by using their civilians as human shields?

Gilad Shalit did not use Israeli civilians to defend himself from abduction.

Natanyahu was right when he explained Israel’s current battle with Hamas in Gaza. “We’re sorry for any accidental civilian deaths, but it’s Hamas that bears complete responsibility for such civilian casualties,” said the premier.

Zahid Ali Baloch, a Fulbright Fellow, writes on Pakistan and Baloch issues for The Daily Dawn, The Daily Times and The Baloch Hal ( A newspaper banned by the Pakistani government because it reports on Baloch issues). He can be reached at zahid.sajidi@yahoo.com. Read other articles by Zahid.