An Israeli commander shot and killed a Palestinian man who had been used as a human shield during a raid in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, according to Israeli reports.
The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, was forced by Israeli soldiers to accompany them as they searched buildings in the area.
The fatal shooting took place when the Israeli forces’ Nahal Brigade commander arrived at the site of the search.
Israeli media has claimed that after spotting the Palestinian, the commander assumed the unarmed man was an enemy combatant and shot him on the spot. The Palestinian was reportedly forced to collaborate with Israeli forces during the raid, acting as a human shield.
Israeli authorities confirmed the incident and said they were launching an internal investigation.
“The incident was investigated by the brigade commander, and the findings have been implemented during troops’ current operations,” an Israeli army statement said.
This marks the latest in a series of incidents that have drawn widespread condemnation for the Israeli forces’ actions in Gaza, which have been described as a clear violation of international law and potential war crimes.
The use of Palestinians as human shields has been a longstanding and controversial practice by the Israeli army.
This so-called “neighbour procedure”, which dates back to 2002 in the West Bank, forces Palestinians to accompany soldiers during military operations, often placed in life-threatening positions.
The Israeli army has frequently used Palestinians as human shields when soldiers search Gaza buildings or move into combat zones.
“Our lives are more important than their lives,” soldiers were reportedly told.
Human shield tactics are illegal under international law, and rights groups have condemned such actions as a clear violation of the Geneva Conventions.
The use of human shields by Israeli forces has come under increased scrutiny amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Since the Israeli assault on Gaza began in October 2023, more than 46,000 Palestinians, including thousands of women and children, have been killed, while international calls for a ceasefire continue.Â
There have been numerous incidents of Palestinians being strapped to Israeli combat vehicles in Gaza.
Despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate halt to hostilities, Israeli airstrikes continue to devastate the enclave.
The killing of the Palestinian in Khan Younis is one of many incidents contributing to mounting allegations of war crimes against Israel. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
The situation has prompted global calls for accountability, with Israel also facing potential charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.
