The Hypocrisy of “Human Shields”: A Palestinian Perspective
Recently, CNN reported a potential missile attack from Iran aimed at Mossad’s headquarters in Tel Aviv, describing it as a civilian-dense area. However, one term missing from the coverage was “human shields,” a narrative often used by Israel in attributing civilian deaths in Gaza to Hamas’s presence.
As a Palestinian journalist, I’ve witnessed the blatant double standards in the media’s portrayal of Israel and Palestine. The term “human shields” has long been used to dehumanize Palestinians while overlooking Israel’s own use of civilians for protection.
Israeli forces have a history of employing Palestinians, including children, as shields during military operations, a grave violation of international law. The media’s selective outrage on this issue highlights the deep-rooted bias in coverage of the conflict.
For Palestinians, the term “human shields” not only reflects a tactical ploy but also symbolizes the devaluation of our lives. While Israel’s actions go unquestioned, Palestinians continue to suffer the consequences of being treated as expendable in the eyes of the world.
It’s time to rethink the narrative and recognize the human cost of conflict, irrespective of political allegiances. Every life lost is a tragedy, and every civilian deserves protection, regardless of their nationality.