Israel's Military Accused of Systematically Using Palestinians as Human Shields in Gaza

Palestinian Ayman Abu Hamadan was forced to serve as a human shield by the Israeli military in Gaza, being dressed in army fatigues and used to clear buildings and tunnels of bombs and gunmen. Hamadan's experience is part of a widespread practice, with multiple Palestinians and Israeli soldiers confirming that the military has been using civilians as shields in Gaza, sending them into buildings and tunnels to check for explosives or militants. Rights groups have accused Israel of using this tactic, which is prohibited by international law, and experts say it has become standard procedure in the war.

Key Takeaways:

• The Israeli military has been accused of systematically using Palestinians as human shields in Gaza, with multiple Palestinians and soldiers confirming the practice.
• The military has denied the allegations, saying it prohibits the use of civilians as shields, but rights groups say it has become a widespread and standard procedure in the war.
• Palestinians have described being forced to search houses and inspect tunnels for explosives, and some have been used as shields in multiple operations, leading to a significant risk of injury or death.
• Israeli soldiers have confirmed that commanding officers are aware of the practice and sometimes give orders to use human shields, and that the practice spares combat dogs from injury or death.
• The use of human shields is prohibited by international law, and rights groups have accused Israel of violating these laws.
• The Supreme Court outlawed the practice in 2005, but it continues to be used, and experts say it's become more widespread in recent years.
• Palestinian civilians, including children and teenagers, have been used as shields in Gaza and the West Bank.

Statistics:

• 7 Palestinians have come forward to describe being used as human shields in Gaza.
• 2 Israeli soldiers have confirmed the use of human shields, stating that commanding officers are aware of the practice and sometimes give orders.
• 1 report has documented the accidental killing of a Palestinian used as a shield.
• 1 Palestinian has passed out in a tunnel while being used as a shield.
• Over 1 million Palestinians have fled from fighting elsewhere in Gaza and have been hiding in communities.

Sources:

• The Associated Press
• Breaking the Silence
• Israeli military statement
• Human Rights groups
• Supreme Court outlawing the practice in 2005