WASHINGTON—What happens before the Israeli military bombs your house? For many Gaza Strip residents, it’s a phone call.

Khan Younis resident Sawsan Kawarea said she received a call this week from “David,” who said he was with the Israeli military.

“He asked for me by name. He said: ‘You have women and children in the house. Get out. You have five minutes before the rockets come,’” Kawarea said in an interview.

She took her children and ran outside. A small rocket hit the house soon after, Kawarea said. Five minutes later, a larger missile hit, destroying the house.

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According to Hamas, seven people, including three minors, were killed in the Israeli airstrike. The man the Israelis were targeting was apparently not among those killed.

For years, the Israeli military has been using cellphone calls and small “warning rockets” — usually sent from drones — to tell people which buildings it is targeting and give them time to get out. It’s a time-tested strategy for the Israeli military, and it even has a name: “roof knocking.”

Even if its intentions are good, however, it is controversial.

The logic of the tactic is obvious. Israel has long been criticized for the civilian death tolls associated with its military actions in the Palestinian territories. In theory, “roof knocking” gives civilians a chance to escape the buildings being targeted.

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At worst, Israel can justifiably say that it tried. But it’s also a remarkable display of power. The missiles and even the telephone calls show the ease of Israel’s reach.

Some critics say the tactic amounts to psychological warfare. There are reports of “warnings” that are given but no bombing follows. There are also instances in which a bombing is not preceded by a warning, or, worse still, the attack may mistakenly destroy the wrong target or produce wider collateral damage — always a risk in cramped areas such as Khan Younis. Human rights groups have argued that targeting the homes of militia members violates international humanitarian law, whether warnings are made or not.

Either way, the warnings are not always heeded. According to Kawarea, after the “warning rocket” hit her house, a group of young men ran inside. It was unclear whether they thought their presence would stop the bombing or whether they wanted to be martyrs.

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