ALBAWABA - Israeli soldiers are accused of using Palestinian civilians as human shields during operations in the Gaza Strip, according to a new report by Haaretz.
The investigation reveals that under the guidance of Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and other senior military officials, Israeli forces have reportedly engaged in a systematic practice of employing civilians as human shields. The report details how Palestinian youths, often in their twenties, were detained and used in this manner while Israeli troops searched buildings and tunnels in Gaza.
According to testimonies from Israeli soldiers and commanders, these detained Palestinians were forced to wear military uniforms, have their hands bound, and were sent ahead of troops to check buildings and tunnels. Their identity was often apparent through their civilian clothing and visible fear.
The report also includes disturbing claims from unnamed Israeli soldiers, who allege that they were instructed that the lives of the detained Palestinians were considered less valuable than those of Israeli soldiers, suggesting it was deemed preferable for Palestinians to be harmed rather than risk the safety of Israeli troops.
