From 1937 to 2024: How the IDF and Zionists have always killed civilians

A list of massacres committed against Palestinians by Zionist militias and the Israeli state. Many were carried out directly by the IDF, others with their support or complicity. Civilian casualties are widespread, including women, children, and the elderly. This is before considering blockades, displacement, and systemic violence.

Pre-1948 (Zionist militias, British Mandate period):

• Haifa Massacres (1937, 1939, 1947, 1948)
• Jerusalem Massacres (1937, 1947, 1948)
• Balad al-Sheikh (1939)
• Al-Khisas (1947)
• Bab al-Amud (1947)
• Abbasiya, Sheikh Burek, Al-Sheik Break, Jaffa, Al-Saraya, Semiramis, Ramla, Yazur, Tabra Tulkarem, Abu Shusha, Tantura, Lydda, Saliha, Al-Dawayima, Al-Husayniyya, Abu Kabir, Cairo-Haifa Train, Qalunya, Nasir al-Din, Tiberias, Ayn al-Zaytoun, Safed, Beit Daras (1947–1948)

Most involved civilian deaths, mostly by Irgun, Lehi, or Haganah.

Post-1948 (Israeli state and IDF):

• Qibya Massacre (1953) – IDF blew up homes, 69 civilians killed Source: B’Tselem

• Khan Yunis Massacre (1956) – IDF killed ~275 civilians Source: UN Reports

• Sabra & Shatila (1982) – Lebanese militias massacred ~2,000 civilians with IDF support [Source: Amnesty International]

• Al-Aqsa Mosque Massacre (1990) – IDF opened fire, 20+ killed Source: Human Rights Watch

• Ibrahimi Mosque Massacre (1994) – Settler massacre, IDF killed protesters afterward Source: BBC

• Jenin Refugee Camp Assaults (2002, 2023) – Large-scale military operations [Source: UN]

• Operation Cast Lead (2008–09) – 1,400+ Palestinians killed, mostly civilians Source: UN Fact-Finding Mission

• Operation Pillar of Defense (2012) – ~160 killed [Source: Human Rights Watch]

• Operation Protective Edge (2014) – Over 2,200 killed, including 500+ children [Source: UNICEF]

• Great March of Return protests (2018–2019) – IDF snipers killed 200+ unarmed protesters [Source: Amnesty International]

• May Gaza Conflict (2021) – Israeli airstrikes killed 250+ [Source: UN OCHA]

• 2022 raids and strikes – Hundreds killed [Source: Various UN reports]

• Gaza War 2023–2024 (ongoing) – Official counts say ~55,000 Palestinians killed so far, but reporters and humanitarian groups on the ground estimate between 150,000 and 300,000 civilians killed. The counting system is outdated, missing those buried without documentation and thousands still trapped under rubble. Entire neighborhoods erased. The IDF is responsible for airstrikes on hospitals, schools, bakeries, mosques, and refugee camps. Over 70% of casualties are civilians. [Sources: Al Jazeera, Human Rights Watch)]

This isn’t just war; it’s slow, methodical destruction of a population under siege. Many around the world now call it genocide.