Stanisland Magazine

A fighter serving in the occupation forces has posted a photo of himself to social media, sparking outrage.

The ongoing occupation of Palestine has lasted more than 77 years, but since 2023, the expulsion of its native peoples has intensified. This current conflict has ravaged Gaza killing more than 100,000. Some researchers believe that the true death toll might actually be higher.

Despite violations becoming a shocking everyday occurrence, in the past 24 hours, campaigners have become outraged.

Once again, the Israeli army has come under fire for practices drawing criticism from rights groups.

What Happened?

An Israeli soldier posted a photograph of himself posing with a firearm, stepping on the skull of a Palestinian. Israelis circulated the image on social media, captioning it:

“A pure soldier showcases the quality football that was made with hard work after prolonged fighting in the Whres’ Strip.”*

Other users expressed outrage at the impunity with which Israel’s military operates. One commenter sarcastically wrote, “Most moral army,” while another called it the “Height of arrogance.”

A Pattern of Dehumanisation

This is not the first time a military force backed by the United States has engaged in such behaviour. The U.S. itself recently settled a $42 million lawsuit with three former detainees of Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison.

READ MORE: Iran Fights Back Launching Attacks Following Searing Strikes by Israel

Between 2003 and 2004, they suffered severe beatings, sexual humiliation, and psychological torture. U.S. soldiers also posed for pictures with them. The abuses were part of so-called “tactics” used to “soften up” detainees for interrogation.

While the Abu Ghraib case took decades to settle, Israel has long operated with greater impunity. This latest incident raises fresh concerns about the normalisation of war crimes, lack of consequences, and the dehumanisation of Palestinians as part of a national military policy.