Recent reports have surfaced alleging that the Israeli military has been forcing Palestinians to enter potentially booby-trapped houses and tunnels in Gaza as a tactic to avoid endangering their own troops. According to a soldier from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and five former detainees, this practice, known as the 'mosquito protocol,' was widespread among Israeli units operating in Gaza.
The soldier revealed that his unit held two Palestinian prisoners with the explicit intention of using them as human shields to investigate dangerous locations. By instructing the detainees to enter buildings or tunnels ahead of them, the soldiers believed that any potential booby traps would harm the Palestinians instead of themselves.
While the exact extent of this practice within the IDF remains unclear, both the soldier and the civilians who were victims of this tactic have shed light on its prevalence across the territory. The IDF, however, has denied these allegations, stating that their directives strictly prohibit the use of detained Gaza civilians for military operations.
It is important to note that international law unequivocally prohibits the use of civilians to shield military activities or to involve them forcibly in military operations. Such actions are considered violations of human rights and are subject to condemnation by the international community.
As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, these reports raise serious concerns about the treatment of civilians in conflict zones and the adherence to international humanitarian law by all parties involved. The allegations against the Israeli military highlight the need for thorough investigations and accountability to ensure the protection of civilian lives in conflict-affected areas.
