Israeli soldiers have systematically used Palestinian civilians as human shields in Gaza during their military operations, according to testimonies from former detainees and Israeli soldiers. This practice has become widespread during the 19 months of fighting that followed the October 2023 escalation. Rights groups warn this tactic violates international law and raises serious ethical concerns.
Several Palestinians told The Associated Press that Israeli troops forced them to enter buildings and tunnels first, often blindfolded and bound, to check for militants and explosives. One Palestinian man said he was made to wear army clothes with a camera on his forehead while searching houses in northern Gaza. He described being beaten and told he had no choice but to comply or face death.
Israeli soldiers interviewed confirmed the practice is common and often ordered by commanders. The use of Palestinians as human shields reportedly speeds up operations and saves Israeli lives and ammunition. One officer said every infantry unit used at least one Palestinian in this way during his nine months in Gaza.
Israel’s military denies ordering the use of human shields. It states that such actions are prohibited and investigated when reported. The military blames Hamas for civilian casualties and stresses it avoids forcing civilians to participate in operations. However, it did not deny the overall practice when questioned about internal reports describing human shield use.
Using human shields means forcing civilians to protect soldiers by making them enter dangerous areas first. International law bans this practice as it puts innocent people at risk. Despite a 2005 Supreme Court ruling in Israel outlawing it, human rights groups say it has continued, especially in the current war.
Former soldiers described how the use of Palestinians as “mosquitoes” became routine after the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Commanders openly discussed this method in meetings and suggested capturing civilians from the streets to use as shields. Reports show this practice led to the accidental death of at least one Palestinian.
Some soldiers resisted using human shields but were told by their superiors to ignore international laws. A sergeant described how a 16-year-old boy and a 30-year-old man were used for days, both terrified and pleading for freedom.
Palestinians report similar experiences in Gaza and the West Bank. One man said he was forced to enter buildings and a hospital to find tunnels. He wore a vest for identification but feared for his life. He was reunited unexpectedly with his brother, who was also used as a human shield by another unit. In the West Bank, a woman said soldiers forced her to film inside apartments and clear them before troops entered. She pleaded to return to her young child but was ignored.
Human rights groups say these are not isolated cases but part of a systemic failure. International law experts note the difficulty soldiers face when enemies use civilians as shields, but stress this does not justify breaking humanitarian laws.
Hamas has been widely criticized for embedding fighters among civilians in hospitals, schools, and homes, increasing risks for Palestinians. Still, rights groups warn that Israel’s use of human shields endangers civilians and undermines legal standards.
The testimonies reveal a troubling pattern of using Palestinian civilians as human shields in Gaza and the West Bank. This practice, which Israel officially denies, has been described by soldiers and detainees as widespread and ordered by commanders. Human rights groups urge Israeli authorities to end this violation and protect civilian lives in the ongoing conflict.
