All articles tagged with #human shields
The Israeli army has occupied Palestinian homes in the West Bank, converting them into military bases amid tensions related to Iran attacks, with residents facing eviction, destruction, and fears of permanent occupation, raising concerns of war crimes and annexation efforts.
Ukrainian military intelligence accuses Russian authorities of using their own citizens as human shields by resisting calls to evacuate the Belgorod and Kursk border regions, despite warnings from defector groups. The defectors, known as the "Siberian Battalion," have urged civilians and Russian military personnel to leave the specified settlements, claiming that Putin's troops are hiding among civilians. This accusation follows previous instances of Russia's willingness to use Ukrainians as human shields, including a warning from Putin in 2014 and a video showing Russian troops using captured Ukrainian military members as shields in 2021.
Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar is reportedly using Israeli hostages as human shields deep within the Gaza tunnel network, making it difficult for the IDF to eliminate him. Sinwar, known as "The Butcher of Khan Yunis," has a history of violence and was behind the recent massacre of Israelis. He has a complex history with Israel, including being released in a prisoner swap and reportedly speaking to hostages in perfect Hebrew. Hamas's use of civilians as human shields is well-documented.
Hamas operatives captured by Israel have admitted during interrogation that the terrorist group uses hospitals and innocent civilians as human shields when launching attacks against Israeli forces. The captured terrorists revealed that they hid weapons under mattresses and posed as doctors and nurses to evade capture. They operated from hospitals because they were secure and unsuspected, using them as bases of operation before launching missions outside. The admissions support Israel's long-held assertion that Hamas uses hospitals to hide their activities and carry out operations.
The 27 European Union nations have jointly condemned Hamas for using hospitals and civilians as "human shields" in the Israel-Hamas war. EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell called for Israel to exercise restraint in targeting to avoid human casualties. The EU nations also called for immediate pauses in hostilities, the establishment of humanitarian corridors, and the release of all hostages. However, they stopped short of calling for a cease-fire. Hamas accused Borrell of distorting facts and called on him to reverse his comments.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) evacuated Rantisi Hospital in Gaza City to avoid harming Palestinian noncombatants, allowing Hamas terrorists to leave with civilians. The IDF later killed the terrorist who held approximately 1,000 Gaza residents hostage at the hospital. The IDF stated that Hamas uses civilians as human shields for terror purposes. Israeli troops have taken control of 11 military posts belonging to Hamas and conducted operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The death toll since the launch of the ground operation two weeks ago has risen to over 40. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah called for pressure to be directed at the United States to stop the Israeli aggression.
The Washington Post cartoonist, Michael Ramirez, responds to criticism over an editorial cartoon that depicted a Hamas leader using civilians as human shields. The Washington Post had taken down the cartoon and issued an apology.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers have accused Hamas of using over 100 women and children as human shields during an attack on a key compound in the Gaza Strip. The soldiers reported that Hamas sent the group to protect the compound, and while the report did not detail how the troops dealt with the situation, the compound was captured by the IDF. Israel has repeatedly claimed that Hamas uses civilians as human shields, including by locating operations bases under hospitals. The war, which began on October 7, has resulted in numerous casualties on both sides, with Hamas continuing to launch rockets into Israel.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) released audio recordings and other alleged evidence accusing Hamas of using the civilian population of Gaza as human shields or operating in a way that disregards civilian safety. Israel claims that Hamas has positioned its military tunnel system and command network under civilian objects, including hospitals. While there is anecdotal evidence supporting these claims, the dense urban environment of Gaza makes it difficult to separate combatants from civilians. Hamas has discouraged Palestinians from evacuating and has been criticized for its authoritarian rule. Both sides bear responsibility for protecting civilians in conflict situations.
Hamas is reportedly preventing residents of northern Gaza from leaving the area, despite warnings from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), as the terrorist group continues to use civilians as human shields. Palestinian activist Bassem Eid stated that Hamas physically restrains and blocks people from leaving, forcing them to remain in their homes. The IDF has issued warnings to evacuate, but does not assist in the process. Hamas terrorists are hiding in tunnels under homes and hospitals, and the IDF accuses Hamas of using hospitals as shields for their underground operations. Reports suggest that leaving the area is risky due to Israeli airstrikes, and some residents fear they may not be able to return home.
Israel's Defence Forces have released satellite images allegedly showing Hamas rocket launch sites located near mosques, schools, and nurseries in Gaza, supporting their claims that Hamas is using civilians as human shields. Geolocation of the images confirmed their accuracy. Meanwhile, Israel continues to conduct airstrikes on Gaza, with tensions escalating in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Aid convoys have entered Gaza, but the humanitarian crisis persists, with hospitals running low on supplies and power outages affecting water and sanitation systems. Israeli forces have also targeted airports in Syria, and clashes between Israeli troops and Palestinians in the West Bank have resulted in multiple casualties.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have accused Hamas of preventing Gazans from fleeing the northern Gaza Strip, sharing evidence of roadblocks and confiscation of personal belongings. The IDF released audio recordings of residents confirming Hamas' actions and warned of the terror group's intention to use civilians as human shields. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh denied the evacuation and claimed they do not target civilians, despite evidence to the contrary. An expert video analyst revealed footage of an improvised explosive device detonating on an evacuation route, suggesting that Hamas is intentionally bombing its own people to falsely implicate Israel. The IDF has opened additional evacuation corridors and accused Hamas of using innocent civilians as human shields, a war crime.