An Israeli investigative report, made by “Makan”, has exposed the use of Palestinian civilians as human shields by Israeli forces in Gaza, detailing a systematic practice referred to as “Mosquito Protocol”. The practice, which has been unofficially employed by military units, involves compelling civilians to undertake dangerous tasks during military operations.
According to testimonies, an 80-year-old Palestinian man was used as a human shield during an Israeli raid in the Zaytoun neighborhood, south of Gaza City. The man was tied to an explosive cord around his neck and forced to walk in front of Israeli troops, entering buildings before them. This method ensured that if there were booby traps or armed resistance, he would be the first to be killed.
Soldiers who witnessed the incident stated that their commanders warned the man that any sudden movement or refusal to comply would lead to immediate detonation. After eight hours of forced servitude as a human shield, he was sent back home and ordered, along with his wife, to leave the area on foot through what Israeli forces designated as a “humanitarian corridor.” However, Israeli units stationed nearby had not been informed of their presence. As the elderly couple approached an Israeli checkpoint, they were shot and killed in the street.
“Mosquito Protocol” is one of several tactics the Israeli military routinely employs to use Palestinian civilians in military operations. According to soldier testimonies, the army deliberately forces civilians into high-risk military tasks, such as entering buildings ahead of soldiers, walking through mined areas, or remaining inside military positions to deter enemy fire.
In August 2024, an investigation by Haaretz uncovered similar crimes committed by the Nahal Brigade, where civilians were used as shields and then executed. In one case, a Palestinian man was forced to stay inside a military base before an Israeli commander, unaware of his forced presence, shot him dead.
Although the Israeli military denies the existence of such practices, testimonies from its own soldiers confirm that these crimes are carried out under direct orders from field commanders while higher-ranking officials work to cover them up.
International Law and Accountability
Under international humanitarian law, using civilians as human shields is a war crime. Article 51 of the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions explicitly prohibits forcing civilians to protect military operations. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has classified such acts as crimes against humanity, meaning those responsible can be prosecuted at the international level.
Despite repeated warnings from human rights organisations and legal bodies, Israel continues to commit these crimes with impunity. There are growing demands for an independent international investigation and for those responsible—from field commanders to political leaders—to face criminal prosecution for their roles in these violations.
