Israel Investigates Alleged Use of Palestinian Civilians as Human Shields in Gaza

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have launched an investigation into allegations that soldiers used Palestinian civilians as human shields during military operations in Gaza. This marks the first time the military has acknowledged "reasonable suspicion" that such incidents occurred.

According to the IDF, multiple cases are under review by the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division. However, officials have not disclosed the number of ongoing investigations or the identities of those involved.

Eyewitness testimonies and reports suggest that Israeli soldiers forced Palestinian civilians to enter potentially booby-trapped buildings and tunnels, allegedly to protect troops from harm. In one instance, a soldier admitted that his unit made a Palestinian man walk ahead of them into a building, explaining, “If there are any booby traps, they will explode and not us.”

The practice is reportedly so common within military operations that it has been referred to as the “mosquito protocol.” Testimonies from both former soldiers and Palestinian civilians indicate that such tactics were employed in various areas, including northern Gaza, Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Rafah.

A Palestinian civilian, Mohammad Saad, 20, shared his experience, stating that IDF soldiers in Rafah detained him and ordered him to move objects and search for tunnels. “They told us to lift carpets, film under the stairs, bring out belongings, and open cupboards and fridges,” he said.

While the IDF has previously stated that its protocols “strictly prohibit the use of detained Gaza civilians for military operations,” the ongoing investigations signal a potential shift in accountability. The outcome of these probes may have significant implications for Israel’s military conduct and international response to the conflict.