### Eyewitness Accounts Detail Drone Warfare Targeting Civilians in Gaza

Reports from Gaza indicate a troubling development in modern warfare: the use of drones equipped with guns by Israel's military to engage in combat operations. Last week, British surgeon Nizam Mamode recounted his recent experiences in Gaza to a U.K. Parliamentary committee. He described witnessing recurring drone attacks specifically targeting civilians, including children, on a daily basis.

Mamode's chilling testimony aligns with many other accounts collected by NPR over several months. Civilians in Gaza, from bustling areas like Jabalia in the north to Rafah in the south, report a growing menace from sniper drones. These drones are described as small, hovering machines armed with rifles and cameras, capable of remotely picking off targets.

Fatma Daama, a freelance journalist from Jabalia, sent voice notes to NPR describing her experiences as Israeli forces closed in on her area. She recounted the eerie sound of quadcopters outside her home, their lethal presence forcing her to stay indoors or risk being shot.

Adib Shaqfa, a 55-year-old resident of Rafah, shared a harrowing incident from May 31 when his 32-year-old son was shot by a drone while they were walking peacefully. The attack also resulted in the deaths of two women and injuries to two men who tried to help his son. Despite such incidents, the Israeli military has denied any intention to harm civilians and claim no knowledge of these specific events.

The technology behind these drones traces back to companies like Duke Robotics Incorporated and SMARTSHOOTER, which have developed advanced sniper drones capable of precise targeting. These drones, such as the TIKAD and SMASH Dragon, incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance their lethality.

Medical professionals in Gaza, including Dr. Ahmed Moghrabi from Nasser Hospital, report treating numerous injuries inflicted by these sniper drones. Moghrabi recalled an incident where a nurse was shot by a drone while they stood on a hospital balcony.

This evolving technology raises significant concerns about the diminishing human oversight in warfare. According to experts like James Rogers from Cornell University, while precision in targeting can be beneficial, faulty intelligence can lead to tragic consequences, resulting in the loss of innocent lives.

As the conflict continues, the frequent use of these sniper drones has become alarmingly normalized among the residents of Gaza. Many describe living under a constant threat, illustrating a grim reality that might signal the future of modern warfare.