Amnesty International says genocide is occurring in Gaza, an accusation Israel rejects
Associated PressNov 23, 2024
Report: Palestinian Used as 'Human Shield' Killed by Israeli Commander
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Above: Palestinians check the destruction in the aftermath of an Israeli strike in the Bureij camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip on January 8, 2025, amid the continuing war between Israel and the militant Hamas group. Image copyright: Majdi Fathi/Contributor/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Facts
Israeli media reported this week that an Israeli commander allegedly killed a Palestinian who had been used as a "human shield" during military operations in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. The Palestinian man had been forced to search buildings.
The practices have reportedly been commonplace in Gaza, with Israeli forces using local Palestinians to enter buildings and tunnels before Israeli troops follow. The military has not denied that the practice has occurred but has said that it is prohibited.
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
Israeli forces must immediately investigate these incidents of using Palestinians as human shields, as the practice is illegal under international law. Unlike its enemies, Israel works to investigate violations committed by its forces in good faith.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Israel has been using Palestinians as human shields as part of an unofficial yet systematic policy for decades. Talk of "investigations" is pointless, as said investigations almost never result in anything meaningful. This case only adds to the pile of evidence that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
