Palestinians used as human shields in Gaza
The claim that Israel's military is the “most moral army in the world” is a cruel myth. Reports indicate that Israeli forces have been using Palestinians dressed in IDF uniforms to shield their soldiers in Gaza’s tunnels. At the same time, Israel alleges, without evidence, that Hamas fighters use schools and hospitals to launch attacks against occupying forces.A recent investigation by Natan Odenheimer, Bilal Shbair, and Patrick Kingsley, which involved interviews with 16 Israeli soldiers and officials, as well as three Palestinians, exposed these practices. During a military tour of a tunnel beneath a U.N. site in Gaza, it was revealed that a Palestinian had been forced to explore the tunnel. Such actions are rarely met with accountability, and with U.S. aid to Israel being unconditional, these illegal practices are likely to persist.
"Every accusation is an admission"—when Israeli officials accuse Palestinians of something, it often mirrors their own actions. The “world's most moral army” continues its war crimes as long as its powerful allies shield its actions. It’s disheartening to see the double standard: many who condemn Hamas for allegedly hiding among civilians remain silent when Israeli actions result in civilian casualties.
In the grand scheme of things, using human shields might seem like a lesser crime. But for the Palestinian forced to face such terror, it is no small matter. This tactic joins a long list of documented abuses: massive bombings killing civilians, sniper attacks on children, blocking food, water, and aid into Gaza, and systemic imprisonment and torture. These acts highlight Israel's descent into utter brutality. And yet, the bigger question is whether the United States is aware of how the world now perceives its unwavering support for Israel.
Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank—land grabs, destruction of infrastructure, bombing of schools and hospitals, and tearing up farmland—are only fueling more resistance. As Prime Minister Netanyahu pursues his goals, the lives of hostages seem to become mere excuses for eliminating Palestinians. Even U.N. soldiers have been targeted. This must stop. The U.S. should cut off military aid and support to Israel.
Since 1948, Israel has committed grave crimes against Palestinian civilians, backed by Western powers, especially the United States, the UK, France, and Germany. This blind support has severely damaged their credibility in promoting justice, freedom, and human rights. The global community has lost trust in these Western nations and their media, which often justify or hide Israel's crimes. True justice and peace will only prevail when accountability is demanded.
A powerful account comes from Mohammed Shubeir, a 17-year-old Palestinian who was detained by Israeli soldiers, forced to act as a human shield while they searched for explosives. “The soldiers sent me like a dog to a booby-trapped apartment,” he recalled, describing how he feared for his life. Stories like his reflect the human cost of Israel’s policies and the urgent need for a change in how these actions are addressed.
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