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yesterday

Israeli Soldiers Accused of Systematic Use of Palestinians as Human Shields in Gaza

Testimonies from soldiers and detainees allege command-level orders under the 'mosquito protocol,' despite an official military ban on the practice.

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Palestinian Hazar Estity holds her 21-month-old son, Nizar, on April 29, 2025, in the West Bank town of Zababdeh, where they fled when the Jenin refugee camp was raided by the Israeli army. Estity says she was used as a human shield by Israeli soldiers there. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)
Palestinian Mohammad Amer and his wife, Iman, sit in an apartment, April 29, 2025, in the West Bank town of Zababdeh, where they fled when the Jenin refugee camp was raided by the Israeli army. Iman Amer says she was used as a human shield by Israeli soldiers there. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)
Palestinian Hazar Estity kisses her 21-month-old son, Nizar, who is being held by his grandmother, Nazek, on April 29, 2025, at an apartment in the West Bank town of Zababdeh. Estity says she was used as a human shield by Israeli soldiers. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

Overview

  • Multiple Palestinian eyewitnesses and former Israeli soldiers report the widespread use of Palestinians as human shields during military operations in Gaza and the West Bank.
  • The practice, referred to as the 'mosquito protocol,' allegedly involved command-level orders to expedite operations and reduce risks to soldiers and equipment.
  • Rights groups, including Breaking the Silence, describe the practice as a systemic failure and moral collapse, highlighting its violation of international law and a 2005 Israeli Supreme Court ruling.
  • The Israeli military maintains its official prohibition of using civilians as shields and has launched investigations into reported incidents, though details remain undisclosed.
  • Documented cases include accidental killings of Palestinians used as shields and testimonies of coercion, with detainees describing threats, beatings, and prolonged forced participation in military missions.