Israeli soldiers used 17-year-old Mohammed Shubeir as a human shield during the Israel-Hamas war, forcing him to search for explosives in Gaza. This illegal practice has been used by at least 11 squads in five cities in Gaza, with involvement from Israeli intelligence agencies. Palestinian detainees have been coerced to explore dangerous places where Hamas militants may have prepared ambushes or booby traps.
The soldiers interviewed by The New York Times admitted to using detainees as human shields routinely and with considerable logistical support. While no evidence of detainees being harmed was found, the practice violates international law. Israeli military directives strictly prohibit using detained civilians for military operations.
One detainee, Basheer al-Dalou, was forced to navigate a booby-trapped yard, narrowly avoiding harm. Another was instructed by a drone to search for militants in a rubble-strewn area. These harrowing accounts shed light on the extreme measures taken during the conflict.
Despite the ban on using human shields, Israeli soldiers have resorted to this controversial tactic, violating laws governing conflicts with nonstate actors like Hamas. The Israel-Hamas war has sparked debate over the conduct of military operations and the protection of civilians in conflict zones.
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