The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have launched an official investigation into allegations that soldiers compelled Palestinian civilians to participate in military operations in Gaza. This marks the first acknowledgment from the military that there is reasonable suspicion surrounding such practices.
Reports suggest that some soldiers may have forced civilians to enter potentially hazardous locations, such as booby-trapped buildings and underground tunnels, to mitigate risks for Israeli troops. The IDF confirmed that its Military Police Criminal Investigation Division has initiated multiple inquiries into these claims.
A statement from the IDF indicated that investigations were underway after sufficient evidence emerged pointing to the potential use of Palestinian civilians in military tasks. However, details regarding the exact number of cases or the individuals involved remain undisclosed. “These investigations are ongoing, and further information cannot be provided at this stage,” an IDF representative stated.
Eyewitness accounts have surfaced supporting these allegations. One Israeli soldier admitted that his unit instructed a Palestinian man to enter a suspicious building ahead of troops. “If there are any hidden explosives, they will detonate on him rather than on us,” the soldier reportedly said.
This practice, allegedly common within Israeli military operations, has been referred to as the “mosquito protocol.” While the full extent of its use remains uncertain, multiple testimonies indicate that it has been implemented across Gaza, including in northern regions, Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Rafah.
A 20-year-old Palestinian civilian, Mohammad Saad, shared his experience of being detained by IDF forces in Rafah. “They ordered us to perform various tasks, like moving carpets, checking for tunnels, filming under staircases, and even retrieving objects from inside houses,” he recounted. “We were also told to clean areas, move furniture, and open household items such as refrigerators and cupboards.”
This revelation comes after previous denials from Israeli authorities regarding the practice. Last year, when initial allegations surfaced, the IDF stated that military protocols strictly prohibited the use of detained civilians in military operations. Despite these regulations, the current investigations suggest that violations may have occurred.
The use of civilians in armed conflicts as human shields is widely condemned under international humanitarian law. If proven, these allegations could carry significant legal and diplomatic consequences for Israel. Human rights organizations have already urged the international community to hold the country accountable for any violations committed.
While the investigation remains in progress, the Israeli government has yet to issue an official statement addressing the potential ramifications. Meanwhile, advocacy groups continue to call for transparency and justice for affected civilians.
As global scrutiny intensifies, the IDF’s findings will be closely monitored. The outcome of these investigations may impact both military policies and Israel’s standing in international relations.
