An Israeli reserve soldier has admitted that his unit received explicit orders to shoot anyone entering areas soldiers designated as "restricted zones," regardless of whether the individual posed an actual threat or not.

Speaking to the British network Sky News, the soldier said these orders were carried out without consideration for the identity or status of the person, leading to the killing of innocent civilians in random locations. He added that there was a prevailing belief within combat units that "everyone in Gaza is a terrorist until proven otherwise."

“We were in a specific area, and the orders clearly stated: anyone who enters must be killed,” he said.

The soldier confirmed that he had been deployed twice to the “Netzarim Corridor,” a strip that extends from the sea to the occupation borders in the heart of the Gaza Strip. The corridor was established by Israeli forces to geographically divide the territory. A virtual line was placed across it, which Palestinians—unaware of its existence—were forbidden to cross. Anyone who crossed it, regardless of age, was shot.