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Palestinian Arabs

Israeli Soldiers Use Palestinians as Human Shields in Gaza War

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Prolonged fighting in Gaza has led to allegations that Israeli soldiers are exploiting Palestinian civilians as human shields, going against international law. Eyewitness accounts from both sides describe a widespread practice where Palestinians are forced to precede Israeli troops in buildings and tunnels, under the guise of clearing dangers. Rights groups and former soldiers have come forward to corroborate these claims, citing a notable increase in such incidents during the war.

Key Takeaways:

  • Palestinians are being used as human shields in Gaza, a practice banned under international law.
  • Former Israeli soldiers and Palestinian civilians have corroborated the use of human shields in Gaza.
  • The Israeli military has denied using civilians as human shields, stating that such orders are regularly reinforced among troops, but investigations into several cases are ongoing.
  • Rights groups, including Breaking the Silence, have reported that the use of human shields is not new, but has increased notably during this war.
  • The Israeli Supreme Court banned the use of human shields in 2005, but violations have been reported since then.
  • Some Israeli soldiers reported trying to avoid using human shields but being pressured to comply, and they were instructed not to worry about international law.
  • Experts emphasize the military's responsibility to follow international law despite both sides being accused of using human shields.

Statistics:

  • At least two Palestinians, Ayman Abu Hamadan and Masoud Abu Saeed, confirmed using Palestinian civilians as human shields in Gaza.
  • The Israeli military has stated that it is investigating several cases of alleged human shield use in Gaza.
  • The Israeli Supreme Court banned the use of human shields in 2005.
  • Breaking the Silence, a rights group, has documented numerous cases of human shield use by Israeli forces.

Sources:

  • Associated Press (AP)
  • Breaking the Silence
  • IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd.
  • Contify.com

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