Israel Used Palestinians as Human Shields, Claims US Intelligence

During its military operations in Gaza, Israeli officials reportedly used Palestinians as human shields. This explosive intelligence was gathered by the United States last year. According to the information, Israeli soldiers forced Palestinians into Gaza’s tunnels—suspected to be laden with explosives—under the pretext of providing security, while trying to avoid potential explosions. This information has been confirmed by two former US officials.

The intelligence was shared with the White House during the final weeks of the Biden administration. The US intelligence agencies had thoroughly analysed the information, and it raised concerns about the extent to which this tactic was being used.

Under international law, using civilians as human shields during military operations is strictly prohibited. US officials had long expressed concerns over reports suggesting that the Israeli military was employing Palestinians in Gaza as human shields to protect their own forces. However, this intelligence, collected towards the end of 2024, marked the first time that Washington's own findings were revealed on this issue.

The revelation raised questions within the White House and intelligence circles about how far this practice was being extended and whether Israeli military leaders were directing such tactics. While the US officials did not disclose whether the Palestinians involved were prisoners or civilians, the information clearly highlighted a troubling practice.

It remains unclear whether the Biden administration discussed this intelligence with the Israeli government. Neither the White House nor the CIA responded to requests for comment on the matter. In response, the Israeli military issued a statement denying the use of civilians as human shields and emphasised that such practices were banned under military law.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) further clarified that their Military Police Criminal Investigation Division was investigating claims regarding the involvement of Palestinians in military operations. However, the Israeli government did not provide a response on whether they had discussed this intelligence with the US.

This revelation about Israel’s alleged use of civilians as human shields adds to a growing list of concerns and internal discussions within the US government. It follows recent reports indicating that Israeli legal experts had warned that evidence could support allegations of war crimes in relation to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

The new intelligence prompted serious concerns among US officials, with some fearing it could support claims of Israeli war crimes. If Israel were found guilty of war crimes, the US could also face responsibility for supplying weapons to Israel, potentially leading to a halt in intelligence-sharing between the two nations.

This development reflects a deepening scrutiny of Israel's military actions and raises significant questions about accountability under international law.