Palestinians Used as Human Shields in Gaza and West Bank, Amid Widespread Allegations

Strategic Insights -

Rights groups are sounding the alarm over the increasing use of Palestinians as human shields by Israeli troops in Gaza and the West Bank. Israeli soldiers and Palestinians who have been used as shields say that commanders are often aware of the practice and even encourage it, citing its effectiveness in speeding up operations and saving ammunition. The use of human shields is prohibited by international law and has been condemned by human rights organizations. An Israeli officer who spoke to the AP said that commanders were aware of the use of human shields and tolerated it, with some giving orders to do so.

Key Takeaways:

  • 7 Palestinians and 2 Israeli soldiers told the AP that Israeli troops are systematically forcing Palestinians to act as human shields in Gaza and the West Bank.
  • The use of human shields has become widespread during the 19 months of war, with Palestinians being forced into buildings and tunnels to check for explosives or militants.
  • Israeli officials say that the practice is prohibited and that they are investigating several cases alleging that Palestinians were involved in missions, but they declined to provide details.
  • Human rights groups say that the use of Palestinians as human shields is a "systemic failure" and a "horrifying moral collapse" among Israeli troops.
  • One Palestinian, Ayman Abu Hamadan, said he was detained for 17 days and forced to search houses and inspect holes in the ground for tunnels, with soldiers standing behind him and later entering the buildings to damage or destroy them.
  • An Israeli officer said that the practice of using human shields "caught on like fire" once it was initiated, with nearly every infantry unit using a Palestinian to clear houses before entering.
  • The officer also described a 2024 planning meeting where a brigade commander presented a slide reading "get a mosquito" and suggested catching a Palestinian off the streets.
  • The AP spoke with two members of the Israeli army who said they engaged in the practice, which they referred to as the "mosquito protocol" and said Palestinians were also referred to as "wasps" and other dehumanizing terms.

Statistics:

  • 7 Palestinians and 2 Israeli soldiers told the AP about the use of human shields in Gaza and the West Bank.
  • The practice has become widespread during the 19 months of war.
  • One Palestinian, Ayman Abu Hamadan, was detained for 17 days and forced to search houses and inspect holes in the ground for tunnels.
  • An Israeli officer said that nearly every infantry unit used a Palestinian to clear houses before entering by the end of his nine months in Gaza.
  • The AP spoke with three Israeli soldiers who described the use of human shields, including a 16-year-old and a 30-year-old who were used for a few days.
  • One Palestinian, Masoud Abu Saeed, said he was used as a shield for two weeks in March 2024 in the southern city of Khan Younis.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press (AP)
  • Breaking the Silence, a whistleblower group of former Israeli soldiers
  • Nadav Weiman, executive director of Breaking the Silence
  • Michael Schmitt, a distinguished professor of international law at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point
  • Ayman Abu Hamadan, a 36-year-old Palestinian man
  • An Israeli officer who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity
  • Masoud Abu Saeed, a 36-year-old Palestinian man
  • Hazar Estity, a Palestinian woman