Palestinians as Human Shields of Zionist Forces

The Zionist regime's widespread and organized use of Palestinians, especially the people of Gaza, as human shields is not only a gross violation of human rights and international law, but can also be prosecuted as a war crime.

News ID: 86210

Date: 25 May 2025 - 08:33

TEHRAN (Defapress) - While the war in Gaza continues, along with the ongoing massacre and genocide of Palestinians, especially the people of Gaza, by the aggressive war machine of the Zionist regime, incoming reports indicate that elements and soldiers of this illegitimate and occupying regime are using Gazans as human shields in the battlefield. This is a clear violation of human rights and a disregard for all international laws.

Numerous reports, including those from Western and particularly American media outlets such as the Associated Press, have documented this bitter reality: Zionist elements and soldiers of this regime’s army have used Palestinian prisoners as human shields in the Gaza war to avoid being targeted by Hamas Resistance fighters and to escape the battlefield alive.

To better understand the meaning of "Human Shields" in international law, it is important to note that, under international conventions, the use of civilians as human shields is absolutely prohibited. Any country or group that commits this crime or rather, this atrocity will face legal prosecution by global institutions and organizations.

To examine the concept of "Human Shields" in detail, we must consider actions such as preventing civilians from fleeing war zones, deploying military forces among civilian populations to avoid attacks, and forcing civilians into strategic locations to shield military targets from enemy fire. Such actions, whether direct or indirect, endanger civilians' lives and significantly increase their risk of death.

The situation in the Gaza war is no different. Reports from international human rights organizations indicate that the Zionist regime’s army has deliberately and systematically used Gazans, particularly Palestinian prisoners, as human shields to avoid being targeted by Hamas fighters.

During the Gaza war, the Zionist regime’s army has repeatedly targeted residential areas, including homes, hospitals, and schools, claiming that Hamas used these locations for military purposes. However, reports by international human rights organizations reveal the shocking truth that the Israeli army carried out these attacks without regard for civilian casualties.

But this is not the end of the story. The Zionist regime’s army has repeatedly bombed and destroyed escape routes designated for civilians, effectively trapping thousands of Palestinians, especially Gazans in war zones. These inhumane and anti-human rights actions have resulted in the deaths of dozens and the injury of thousands more in the Gaza Strip.

Notably, looking back at history, we find multiple instances where the Zionist regime has used Palestinians as human shields. Examples include the 2008-2009 war, known as "Operation Cast Lead," as well as the 2014 "Operation Protective Edge," during which Zionist soldiers forced Palestinians to enter buildings to prevent potential explosions.

In conclusion, the Zionist regime’s use of Palestinians as human shields is not only a savage and inhumane crime but also demonstrates this criminal and child-killing regime’s utter disregard for all human rights principles and laws. Accordingly, the international community must increase pressure on this regime, impose severe sanctions, and legally prosecute its leaders to prevent the continuation and repetition of these crimes against the Palestinian people.