JERUSALEM (JTA) — An Israeli soldier is facing charges in the shooting deaths of a Palestinian mother and daughter during the Gaza war.
During a hearing scheduled for next week, the chief army prosecutor will determine the exact charges in the killings, Haaretz reported Wednesday, citing army sources.
The soldier allegedly broke the army’s rules of engagement when he fired on the women, aged 64 and 35, south of Gaza City on Jan. 4, 2009. The women reportedly were among a group of civilians waving white flags.
The soldier reportedly joined other troops after an order was given to fire warning shots at the legs of the group. It is unclear if the soldier heard or understood the orders, as he had arrived late.
If charged, he would be the third soldier to be tried for actions taken during the Gaza war in the winter of 2008-09. These would be the most serious charges.
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