In a shocking revelation, Ramez al-Skafi, a 30-year-old Palestinian from northern Gaza, claims he was coerced into serving as a \"human shield\" by the Israeli military. According to a recent Guardian report, Skafi was forcibly separated from his family after his home was destroyed and detained by Israeli forces.
Al-Skafi describes a harrowing experience where he was compelled to enter homes and tunnels ahead of Israeli soldiers to locate hidden explosives and Hamas fighters. \"I tried to resist their proposal, but they started beating me and the officer told me it was not my choice to make and that I have to do whatever they want,\" he recounted.
These disturbing accounts are supported by footage published by Al Jazeera, showing a prisoner being forced into a tunnel while restrained and monitored. An August report from Haaretz further reveals that the Israeli military used Palestinians, referred to as \"shawish\" or sergeants, to conduct reconnaissance missions in military attire, clearing potentially dangerous sites.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have denied these allegations, asserting that their rules strictly forbid the use of civilians in combat roles and have stated that the claims are under review by relevant authorities. International laws, including the Geneva Conventions, also prohibit the use of civilians as human shields.
Despite these denials, testimonies from Skafi and others paint a grim picture of the situation on the ground. Skafi stated that he was forced to carry a drone into houses to film interiors before soldiers destroyed the properties. Similar stories from other detainees highlight the use of intimidation and coercion, with threats of violence against those who attempted to resist.
Human rights organizations have expressed deep concern over these reports, emphasizing that such practices violate international law and contribute to the ongoing tensions in the region. The Guardian also referenced a 2010 incident where two IDF sergeants were demoted for forcing a nine-year-old Palestinian boy to handle suspected explosive devices.
As these serious allegations come to light, the international community continues to watch closely, calling for investigations and accountability to ensure the protection of civilians in conflict zones.
