U.S. intelligence indicates that the IDF used Palestinian civilians as “human shields” in Gaza, forcing them into tunnels that were likely rigged with explosives, a practice prohibited under international law, according to Reuters.
The information was shared with the White House and reviewed by intelligence agencies in the final weeks of former President Joe Biden’s administration, officials said.
Intelligence gathered by U.S. agencies in the last months of 2024 raised questions within the White House and the intelligence community about how widespread this tactic was and whether Israeli soldiers were acting under orders issued by their superiors.
Israel has bombed and destroyed more than 1,500 buildings in Gaza since the ceasefire came into effect on October 10, according to the BBC.
In a statement, the Israeli Defense Forces said it “prohibits the use of civilians as human shields or compelling them in any way to take part in military operations.”
Regarding the West Bank, Israeli President Isaac Herzog described recent attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians, including the burning of buildings and vehicles and the injuring of four people, as “shocking,” calling for an end to aggression in the area.
Although the Israeli presidency is largely ceremonial, its role is intended to serve as a “moral compass and unifying force for the country,” as reported by the Associated Press.
Source: Reuters, Associated Press [1], [2]
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