Israeli soldier ‘shot two women as they waved white flag’

The sniper is the only person to face prosecution over the killing of civilians during the three-week Israeli incursion launched at the end of 2008.

Investigators said they had uncovered evidence that the soldier identified as “First Sergeant S” opened fire as the victims walked with a group of people waving a white flag.

Witnesses described how he fired at Majda Abu Hajjaj, 35, and her mother Salma Abu Hajjaj, 64.

In a hearing last month, the soldier claimed to have fired at the women’s legs but said he had not intended to kill them. He maintained that he thought his fellow soldiers’ lives were at risk as the group of about 30 people approached a military post.

But his statements were contradicted by those of Palestinian witnesses who said the women were part of a group of civilians waving white flags.

It is the first charge in connection with allegations of misconduct of soldiers during the three weeks of fighting during the war which Israel launched in a bid to halt rocket-fire into its southern towns.

The fighting, which left some 1,400 Palestinians dead and 13 Israelis, sparked international criticism of the Jewish state.

[more...]