Israeli Forces Systematically Use Palestinians as Human Shields
According to webangah News agency, Israeli forces have systematically employed Palestinians as human shields in the Gaza Strip, forcing them to enter buildings and tunnels to detect explosives. Multiple Zionist soldiers and Palestinian detainees confirmed these practices to The Associated Press.
sources emphasized that this risky tactic has become routine during the 19-month-long conflict.
Seven Palestinians interviewed by AP detailed their experiences being used as human shields in Gaza and the West bank. Two Israeli army members also admitted participating in this internationally prohibited practice.
Human rights groups have raised alarms, warning that this grave violation is increasingly becoming standard military procedure.
Ayman Abu Hamdan, a palestinian civilian detained last August, testified that occupying forces forced him to search homes and underground cavities for tunnels for 17 consecutive days. “They beat me and said: ’You have no choice. Do this or we’ll kill you,'” Abu Hamdan stated.
An unnamed Israeli officer confirmed these operations frequently enough came from higher commands: “Sometimes nearly every military unit would use a Palestinian to clear positions.”
