Israeli government issuing ‘illegal’ orders that must not be obeyed, say IDF intelligence officers

In letter to Netanyahu, 41 signatories say hostages given ‘death sentence’ and Israel waging ‘unnecessary, eternal war’

Middle East crisis – latest updates

Israel’s government is issuing “clearly illegal” orders that must not be obeyed, a group of Israeli military intelligence officers have said, announcing they will no longer participate in combat operations in Gaza.

In a letter addressed to Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, the defence minister and the head of the military, the group of 41 officers and reservists said the government is waging an “unnecessary, eternal war” in Gaza.