Summary
The United States had evidence last year that Israeli officials discussed using Palestinians as human shields in tunnels in Gaza. This evidence was shared with the White House and analyzed by U.S. intelligence. The Israeli military denies allowing the use of human shields and says it is investigating related incidents.
Key Facts
- U.S. officials had evidence of Israeli discussions about using Palestinians as human shields in Gaza.
- This information was reviewed by the U.S. intelligence community during President Biden’s final weeks in office.
- International law does not allow the use of civilians as human shields in military actions.
- The Israeli military states it prohibits the use of civilians as human shields and is investigating related allegations.
- Seven Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank reported being used as human shields in a report by The Associated Press.
- In June 2024, video showed Israeli soldiers allegedly using a Palestinian man as a human shield, which the Israeli military stated was against their protocol.
- The UN questioned Israel over alleged torture of Palestinian detainees; Israel denied most accusations but admitted no law against torture exists.
- Israel faced pressure regarding its treatment of Palestinians, including allegations of systematic torture and ill-treatment.
