Military Police opens probe after soldiers filmed themselves burning a Quran and other books in Gaza

The IDF Military Police is investigating incidents in which soldiers filmed themselves burning books, including a Quran, during operations in the Gaza Strip.

Footage of the book burnings were taken by the soldiers, uploaded to social media, and later recirculated by Palestinian accounts.

One video, reportedly taken in the Rafah area, showed a soldier holding a Quran before tossing it into a fire.

[@tamerqdh] unveils alarming footage depicting Israeli soldiers burning Quran book within a mosque in Gaza.

The video captures a soldier tossing the Quran into flames as the mosque is set ablaze. pic.twitter.com/qTuYZ0rejm

— Younis Tirawi | يونس (@ytirawi) May 21, 2024

Another image, reportedly from Aqsa University in Gaza City, shows a soldier posing in front of a bookshelf that was set on fire.

Exclusive:

Israeli soldiers set fire Aqsa University [@AqsaUniversity]’s library in Gaza City and took pictures of themselves in front of the flames. pic.twitter.com/9TFMsAM2LG

— Younis Tirawi | يونس (@ytirawi) May 23, 2024

Responding to incidents, the IDF says the Military Police have launched probes, the findings of which will be submitted to the Military Advocate General for review.

It says the “severe” incidents are “inconsistent with the values ​​of the IDF and its protocols.” On the Quran burning, the IDF says it “respects all religions and condemns such behavior completely.”

IDF Spokesperson Adm. Daniel Hagari put out a statement several months ago calling on soldiers not to film themselves if the documentation does not serve an operational purpose, saying such actions violate the military’s commands.

Despite this, and calls by other top officers, troops continue to take and share such footage online.