Archive · 24 May 2025
Israeli Troops Accused of Using Palestinians as Human Shields
Imagine soldiers making people go into dangerous places to check for bombs before they go in.
That's what some soldiers in Israel are being accused of doing in Gaza and the West Bank, using Palestinians as human shields.
They'd force these people to check buildings and tunnels, sometimes with threats.
The soldiers say it helped them go faster and stay safer.
The Israeli military says they don't allow this and are looking into it.
But, many people say it's happening a lot, and it's against the rules of war.
The soldiers are using dehumanizing language against the people they are forcing to take on the risks.
Multiple Palestinians and soldiers report the systematic use of human shields by Israeli troops in Gaza and the West Bank.
Palestinians were forced to search buildings for explosives and tunnels, often facing threats and violence.
Israeli military officials state they prohibit the use of civilians as shields, though investigations are ongoing.
Soldiers reported commanders' awareness and tolerance of the practice, sometimes issuing orders.
The practice reportedly became widespread after October 7, 2023, with some referring to the practice as "mosquito protocol."
- Who
- Israeli soldiers and Palestinian civilians, with potential involvement from commanding officers.
- What
- Israeli troops are accused of forcing Palestinians to act as human shields during military operations in Gaza and the West Bank.
- When
- The practice has been reported as widespread during the recent conflict, with accounts dating back to before October 7, 2023.
- Where
- Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
- Why
- Allegedly to expedite military operations, save ammunition, and potentially protect soldiers from harm.
Accusations and Witness Accounts
Israeli Military Position
Official Stance
Accusations and Witness Accounts
Palestinians and soldiers describe the widespread and systematic use of human shields.
Israeli Military Position
The Israeli military says it prohibits using civilians as shields and is investigating.
Responsibility
Accusations and Witness Accounts
Rights groups and some soldiers allege a systemic failure within the Israeli military.
Israeli Military Position
The military blames Hamas for the civilian death toll.
- Duration of Practice
- The practice has become widespread during 19 months of war
- Dehumanizing Terms
- Soldiers referred to Palestinians as "wasps"
- Soldiers' Motivation
- Soldiers sped up operations by using human shields
- Planning Meeting
- A brigade commander presented a slide reading "get a mosquito"
- Legal Status
- The Supreme Court outlawed the practice in 2005