Israeli Troops Systematically Force Palestinians to Act as Human Shields in Gaza

Strategic Insights -

Israeli troops have forced Palestinians to act as human shields in Gaza, a practice that has become widespread since Israel's assault on the territory intensified 19 months ago, according to former hostages and Israeli soldiers. The practice violates international law and has resulted in the deaths of numerous Palestinians. The Israeli military has denied the allegations, stating that it prohibits using civilians as shields and coercing civilians to participate in operations.

Palestinians have described being beaten, bound, and blindfolded before being used as human shields. They were forced to search houses and inspect every hole in the ground for tunnels, with soldiers standing behind them and entering the buildings to damage or destroy them. Rights groups have warned that this has become standard procedure in Israel's offensive.

Key Takeaways:

  • 7 Palestinians have described being used as human shields in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, with some being beaten, bound, and blindfolded.
  • 2 members of Israel's military have described using human shields, which is prohibited by international law.
  • Derogatory terms like "mosquito" were used to refer to Palestinians, who were often forced to clear houses and inspect tunnels.
  • The practice has been described as "standard procedure" by rights groups, with some commanders aware of and tolerating the use of human shields.
  • The Israeli military has denied the allegations, stating that it prohibits using civilians as shields and coercing civilians to participate in operations.

Statistics:

  • Over 53,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's assault on Gaza, most of them women and children.
  • 7 Palestinians have described being used as human shields in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
  • The practice has been described as widespread, with some commanders aware of and tolerating the use of human shields.

Sources:

  • Associated Press (AP)
  • Breaking the Silence
  • OleDb (author of the byline, Lucy Jackson's source is not accurate in the text)
  • Seven Palestinians who described being used as human shields
  • 2 Israeli soldiers who described using human shields
  • Human rights groups that have warned of the practice
  • International law, which prohibits the use of civilians as human shields