An investigation has uncovered a disturbing incident in Gaza where Israeli military forces allegedly forced an 80-year-old Palestinian man to serve as a human shield during military operations. The report, conducted by the Israeli outlet The Hottest Place in Hell and shared by +972 magazine, details the harrowing experience of the elderly man, who was subjected to threats and coercion by Israeli soldiers.
According to the investigation, the incident occurred in May in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City. A senior officer from the Nahal Brigade reportedly tied an explosive cord around the man’s neck and threatened him with death if he did not comply with orders. The soldiers instructed him to scout nearby houses, effectively using him to detect potential dangers such as explosives or militants.
For eight hours, the elderly man was forced to walk ahead of the soldiers, despite his mobility challenges, as he relied on a cane for support. His wife was detained in their home during this time. The soldiers referred to the couple as “mosquitoes,” a term used within the military to describe civilians coerced into acting as human shields for the protection of Israeli forces.
After enduring this ordeal, the couple was ordered to move toward a designated “humanitarian zone” in southern Gaza. However, the soldiers failed to communicate their presence to nearby Israeli units. Tragically, as they walked just a short distance, another battalion spotted them and opened fire, killing both the man and his wife on the spot.
The investigation reveals that the couple had initially informed the soldiers of their inability to flee due to the elderly man’s physical condition. Nevertheless, the military proceeded with its orders, disregarding the couple’s safety. One soldier involved in the operation later recounted that the commander had made the decision to use the elderly man as a human shield, prioritizing the safety of the soldiers over the life of the civilian.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the Israeli military’s treatment of Palestinian civilians, particularly during armed conflicts. The use of human shields is prohibited under international law, yet reports of such practices have surfaced repeatedly over the years. Previous reports have revealed instances of Israeli forces abducting civilians, forcing them into dangerous situations, and using them to shield military operations.
Francesca Albanese, the United Nations’ special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory, condemned the actions described in the investigation, labeling them as a clear violation of humanitarian principles. The implications of such actions raise significant questions about the conduct of military operations in densely populated areas and the protection of civilian lives amidst ongoing violence.
As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict, and the urgent need for accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law.